Brandon Woodruff has earned a spot on the Milwaukee Brewers’ World Series roster after working his way back from a shoulder injury that threatened to end his season. The right-hander will be available as Milwaukee opens the Fall Classic against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday.
The Brewers added Woodruff to their 26-man roster, replacing right-hander Chad Patrick in their only roster change for the series. The decision gives Milwaukee another experienced pitching option as it pursues its first World Series championship.
Woodruff’s return marks the end of a difficult recovery process. He has not pitched in a major league game since July 4, when a recurrence of his right shoulder problem forced him to stop pitching. He was initially expected to undergo season-ending surgery, but improvement in his shoulder allowed him to resume throwing instead.
The 33-year-old gradually increased his workload during Milwaukee’s postseason run. He threw off a mound during the National League Division Series and National League Championship Series before facing live hitters in a batting practice session Tuesday.
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Woodruff faced hitters for the first time in nearly four months during that session, throwing 23 pitches to members of Milwaukee’s lineup. His progress gave the Brewers a difficult roster decision, particularly because postseason rules could prevent them from replacing him if his existing shoulder problem flares up again.
The right-hander went 2-2 with a 2.98 ERA in nine regular-season starts before his latest setback. He has also established himself as one of the franchise’s most reliable starters when healthy, recording a 55-30 career record and a 3.10 ERA since making his major league debut in 2017.
Woodruff’s role in the World Series remains a key consideration after such a lengthy absence. His recent throwing sessions showed progress, but he has not faced major league hitters in a competitive game since July.
Milwaukee finished the regular season 103-59, earning the National League’s top seed and home-field advantage for the World Series. The Brewers swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS to reach the championship series, where they will face a Tampa Bay team that finished 98-64.
Game 1 is scheduled for Friday at American Family Field, with Game 2 set for Saturday before the series moves to Tampa Bay. Woodruff’s return gives Milwaukee another arm to consider as it begins its final push toward a championship.
