Same opponent, same symptoms, same injury. For the second time this season, the Milwaukee Brewers are placing pitcher Brandon Woodruff on the 15-Day IL with right labrum inflammation.
Woodruff was pulled from Saturday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks after his pitch velocity dropped off a cliff in the fourth inning. As per Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Woodruff's change-up managed to hit just 75 mph on the radar gun, while his fastball topped out at 87 mph. After a mound visit from the training staff, Woodruff exited the game looking frustrated and emotional.
This is the second time that Woodruff has left a game after a drop in velocity, both against Arizona. The first IL stint cost him nearly two months of action, and a minor procedure to remove a cyst in his shoulder joint extended his absence. Following Saturday's game, Woodruff spoke to reporters and revealed that he felt a similar sensation to his first injury coming on in the second inning.
"Initially, warming up, everything was good", Woodruff said. "Started the first inning, it was fine. Kind of just a slow progression of, I guess, discomfort is the best word. Kind of similar to what I experienced against them last time at home."
Woodruff's frustration was evident, especially given how strongly he had pitched in his return. In two starts, Woodruff hadn't allowed an earned run, including taking a perfect game into the sixth inning in his return. For the season, Woodruff has compiled a solid stat line with a 2-1 record, a 2.98 ERA, and a 0.84 WHIP in 45.1 innings of work.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that Woodruff will be seen by orthopedic surgeon Keith Meister over the next few days, which will likely determine the pitcher's path for the rest of the season.
A similar timeline to his first injury is more than likely for Woodruff, and it should not be ruled out that this could be season-ending. Woodruff is a two-time MLB All-Star and has played all nine seasons of his career with Milwaukee. He is currently the Brewers' all-time leader in career ERA (3.10) and sits sixth all-time in strikeouts.
In a corresponding move, the Brewers recalled LHP Drew Rom from Triple-A Nashville.
