Brewers FeedBrandon Woodruff
P · Age 33 · Bats Left · Throws Right
Where things stand
Brandon Woodruff made his first appearance since July 4 in Game 3 of the World Series, pitching the ninth inning to close out the Brewers' 10-1 victory over the Rays after recovering from a shoulder injury. Manager Pat Murphy offered Woodruff the choice between closing Game 3 or starting Game 4, and Woodruff opted to finish the game immediately, allowing one run on two hits with a strikeout. The Brewers now lead the series 3-0.
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Brandon Woodruff coverage
Brewers Notes: Brandon Woodruff, Pat Murphy and Sal Frelick on Crew’s Game 3 Beatdown
The Brewers dominated Game 3 of the World Series with a 10-1 victory over the Rays, putting them on the brink of their first championship. A pivotal fifth-inning sequence began when Christian Yelich hustled to second base on an errant throw, which manager Pat Murphy credited as a game-changing play that sparked eight runs on seven two-out hits in the inning. Brandon Woodruff, returning from a shoulder injury that sidelined him since July 4th, pitched the ninth inning after Murphy gave him the choice between closing out Game 3 or starting Game 4, and Woodruff chose to finish the victory immediately.
Brew Crew BallBrandon Woodruff shares heartwarming story behind appearance in Game 3 of World Series
Brandon Woodruff made his first appearance since July 4 in Game 3 of the World Series, closing out the Brewers' victory over the Rays to give Milwaukee a 3-0 series lead. Woodruff had undergone shoulder issues and recovery that made him available only if the Brewers reached the World Series. Manager Pat Murphy offered Woodruff the choice to close Game 3 instead of opening Game 4, with athletic trainer Bryn Hester delivering the offer to the bullpen as a nod to the training staff's role in his comeback. Woodruff allowed one run on two hits while recording a strikeout and sitting in the low 90s with his fastball in the nine-run victory.
Reviewing the Brew'I want it right now': Woodruff seizes chance to finish off Crew's Game 3 win
MLB.com BrewersBrewers' potential Game 4 pitching plan could pave way for highly anticipated Brandon Woodruff return
The Brewers lead the Rays 2-0 in the World Series and are heading to Tampa for Game 3, where Robert Gasser will start. Milwaukee is likely planning a bullpen game for Game 4, which could create an opportunity for Brandon Woodruff to make his first appearance since July 4 after recovering from a shoulder injury. Woodruff has earned his World Series roster spot and expressed he wants to actually pitch in the series rather than simply be included as a gesture. If used in Game 4, Woodruff would be best deployed as an opener or in the early innings given the uncertainty around his performance after four months on the injured list.
Reviewing the BrewWorld Series Game 1 Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) vs Tampa Bay Rays (0-0)
Jacob Misiorowski will start Game 1 for the Milwaukee Brewers against Nick Martinez and the Tampa Bay Rays, with both teams seeking their first World Series championship. The Brewers finished the regular season 103-59 and swept through the postseason until facing the Dodgers in the NLCS, while the Rays won the AL East and rallied from a 2-1 deficit to beat Cleveland in six games. Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff, recovering from a shoulder injury and inactive since July 4th, has been added to the 26-man roster after throwing live batting practice. The Brewers will deploy a lineup featuring Jackson Chourio leading off with Jake Bauers and Christian Yelich following, while the Rays counter with Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda at the top and speedster Chandler Simpson batting third ahead of power hitter Junior Caminero.
Brew Crew BallBrewers, Rays announce World Series rosters
The Brewers included Brandon Woodruff on their World Series roster despite the risk that reaggravating his shoulder injury could leave them unable to replace him under postseason rules. Woodruff, who suffered a shoulder injury in July, avoided needing surgery and has progressed through bullpen sessions and live batting practice. The Brewers removed Chad Patrick to make room for Woodruff on their 13-pitcher roster. The Rays constructed their roster with 12 pitchers, adding left-hander Garrett Cleavinger to better match up against the Brewers' strong performance against right-handed pitching.
Brew Crew BallBrewers' veteran leader Brandon Woodruff returns for the World Series
Brandon Woodruff has been added to the Milwaukee Brewers' World Series roster after missing postseason play since 2021 due to shoulder injuries. The decision carried significant risk, as MLB rules prevent replacing a player if he suffers a recurring injury rather than a new one, potentially leaving the Brewers short-handed if Woodruff's shoulder flares up during the series. Manager Pat Murphy and baseball operations president Matt Arnold acknowledged the difficulty of the choice but deemed Woodruff's veteran presence and leadership worth the gamble. Woodruff replaces right-hander Chad Patrick on the roster, and recent reports indicate he will likely serve in a relief role rather than as a starter.
Reviewing the BrewHe's in: Woodruff added to Crew's World Series roster
MLB.com BrewersBrewers, Rays Announce World Series Rosters
The Brewers and Rays submitted their 26-man World Series rosters, with the Brewers including Brandon Woodruff after the right-handed pitcher recovered from a shoulder injury that sidelined him since early July. Milwaukee's roster features 13 pitchers and 13 position players, with Woodruff replacing Chad Patrick on the staff, while the hitting group remains unchanged with Christian Yelich and Andrew Vaughn platooning at designated hitter. The Rays opted for 12 pitchers and 14 position players, swapping righty Brody Hopkins for lefty Garrett Cleavinger and emphasizing starting pitchers over their traditional opener strategy. Tampa Bay's bullpen is anchored by closer Bryan Baker, who led the league with 41 regular-season saves and has been dominant in the playoffs with seven scoreless innings and five postseason saves.
MLB Trade RumorsAs deadline nears, odds of Woodruff making Crew's WS roster 'literally a 50-50 tossup'
MLB.com BrewersBrewers' projected World Series roster highlights organization's recent emphasis on player development
The Brewers are still deciding whether to include pitcher Brandon Woodruff on their World Series roster after he missed time with a shoulder injury since July 4. Woodruff recently completed a 23-pitch live batting practice session and is working to return for his first postseason appearance since 2021, though the team must weigh the risk with their first franchise title at stake. The Brewers' projected World Series roster reflects the organization's focus on player development, built primarily through the draft, international signings, and trades rather than free agent acquisitions, with backup catcher Gary Sánchez being the only free agent in the lineup.
Reviewing the Brew2 pros and 2 cons of Brewers' lengthy layoff between NLCS and World Series
The Milwaukee Brewers will have seven days of rest before facing the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series starting October 23, significantly more time off than their opponents who had only three full days. The extended layoff allows the Brewers to optimize their pitching rotation and give their young starters, who have exceeded career innings pitched totals, additional recovery time, with Jacob Misiorowski potentially regaining fastball effectiveness after late-season fatigue. The break also provides an opportunity for injured veteran Brandon Woodruff to potentially return to the roster after missing time since July. However, the long layoff risks disrupting the team's momentum and rhythm after their successful postseason run, and could lead to rust or loss of competitive edge when the series begins.
Reviewing the BrewLatest On Brandon Woodruff
Brandon Woodruff threw to live hitters for the first time since his shoulder injury in a 23-pitch batting practice session, with his fastball reaching 90-92 mph, but the Brewers have not yet decided whether to include him on their World Series roster. Woodruff acknowledged the uncertainty, saying he has only faced live hitters once with the Fall Classic beginning in three days. The team is concerned that if Woodruff suffers a setback, MLB rules may prevent them from replacing him on the roster, prompting Milwaukee to seek clarification from the league. President of baseball operations Matt Arnold stated the team is still working through meetings on the final roster composition.
MLB Trade RumorsWoodruff would love World Series roster spot, but understands why it might not happen
MLB.com BrewersBrewers' only World Series roster decision rests on the right shoulder of one franchise legend
The Brewers won the National League pennant while using the same 26-player roster through both the NLDS and NLCS, but face one key decision before the World Series: whether to add injured pitcher Brandon Woodruff to the roster. The 33-year-old Woodruff has been recovering from shoulder surgery and last pitched on July 4, but has been throwing bullpen sessions during the postseason and recently expressed confidence about making the World Series roster. With two unused relievers on the current roster and a full week before the World Series begins, the team must decide if Woodruff is healthy enough to pitch in relief despite not facing batters in nearly four months.
Reviewing the BrewThe Brewers Brandon Woodruff Dilemma: Will the veteran ace pitch in the World Series?
Brandon Woodruff avoided surgery after his shoulder healed faster than expected during his August follow-up, allowing him to begin a throwing program with hopes of returning for the postseason. The Brewers have now clinched a World Series berth, and Woodruff has stayed on schedule with his comeback, completing a high-intensity bullpen session in Los Angeles during the NLCS. With available roster spots due to unused relievers Kyle Harrison and Chad Patrick, the Brewers appear positioned to add Woodruff to their World Series roster if his live batting practice goes well in the week before the series begins.
Brew Crew BallBrewers' Brandon Woodruff fuels fire of a World Series return with postgame celebration comments
The Brewers swept the Dodgers in the NLCS to reach their first World Series, with Game 1 scheduled for October 24 at home. Brandon Woodruff, sidelined since July 4 with a right shoulder injury he chose to rehab rather than have surgery, expressed confidence about returning for the Fall Classic, telling reporters "It's going to be hard to keep me off that roster." The seven-day break before the World Series gives Woodruff additional time to prepare, though he will need to prove his readiness through simulations and scrimmages without having pitched in an actual game since early July.
Reviewing the BrewBrandon Woodruff Hopes To Pitch In World Series
The Brewers advanced to the World Series for the first time since 1982 by sweeping the Dodgers, holding Los Angeles to just 11 runs across four games. Right-hander Brandon Woodruff, sidelined since July 4th with shoulder inflammation, expressed confidence about joining the roster despite not having pitched in months or appeared in any rehab games. Woodruff would likely serve as a low-leverage reliever if he makes it back, as the Brewers' pitching staff performed well throughout the NLCS without him. The veteran pitcher is set to become a free agent after a season limited by injury, having thrown only 177 innings since the start of 2023.
MLB Trade RumorsBrewers news: Brandon Woodruff update, Shohei Ohtani benching decision, Blake Snell's pre-start comments
The Brewers hold a 2-0 series lead over the defending champion Dodgers in the NLCS, a position unprecedented in franchise history across their five previous League Championship Series appearances. Brandon Woodruff threw a 31-pitch bullpen session and reported his stuff felt "pretty good" as he continues rehabbing a shoulder injury with hopes of returning for a potential World Series appearance, though his availability remains unlikely. Dave Roberts is considering benching four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, and the Brewers will start Robert Gasser in Game 3 as they aim to close out the series quickly.
Reviewing the BrewNotes: Woodruff takes another step towards long-shot bid for World Series roster
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