Brandon Woodruff has yet to take part in the Brewers’ postseason run, as the lat strain the veteran righty suffered in September kept him off Milwaukee’s NLDS roster. That absence will now stretch into the NL Championship Series, as MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy writes that Woodruff has yet to start even playing catch, so he naturally won’t be ready in time for the start of the NLDS on Monday.
With his throwing work still not underway, Woodruff would have to make a lot of progress in a pretty short window of time to receive consideration for a possible World Series roster slot. If the Brewers defeat the Dodgers in the NLCS, Game 1 of the World Series falls on October 24, giving Woodruff just 12 days to get ramped up enough to pitch even in a relief capacity.
Asked if a return was possible, Woodruff said “I’m not ready to answer that question yet. I’ve been trying to get ready. Each day is better and better for me. I don’t know what tomorrow looks like, but these past 2-3 weeks have been good for me and we’ll see what happens. It’s too early to make a call on anything.”
Woodruff last pitched on September 17, when he threw a strong start (five IP, one earned run on two hits and no walks with nine strikeouts) in the Brewers’ 9-2 win over the Angels. The performance continued Woodruff’s quality results in his comeback season, as the right-hander recorded a 3.20 ERA, 32.3% strikeout rate, and 5.4% walk rate across 12 starts and 64 2/3 innings.
These would be outstanding numbers for any pitcher, but it was a particular triumph for Woodruff considering his many injury battles. Shoulder surgery cost him the entirety of the 2024 season and an ankle issue delayed the start of his 2025 campaign, but Woodruff returned not just healthy, but displaying the kind of form that made him a two-time All-Star. Unfortunately, Woodruff’s dream return and a surefire role in Milwaukee’ s postseason rotation was spoiled by his lat strain.
With Woodruff still out, Freddy Peralta may be the only Brewers pitcher guaranteed to work as a traditional starter in the NLCS. Quinn Priester, Jose Quintana, and Chad Patrick could all get starts, or potentially be pseudo-starters in a bulk pitcher capacity, if the Brew Crew again deploy a high-leverage reliever as an opener against Los Angeles.
As chaotic as it sounds, their pitching situation reminds me of last year where my Dodgers had to mix and match with only 1 ace and a patchwork behind them and it got them a ring.
@VinScullysSon
So, you’re saying that the Brewers are Temu Dodgers.
The Brewers staff is much better than the Dodgers last year. The Dodgers had to start Landon Knack annd Ben Casparius; also Buehler was one of the worst starters in the majors last year. He stepped up in the playoffs, but I don’t think Milwaukee is doing anything like this.
How many shutouts have the Brewers had this postseason? Dodgers staff last year tied the greatest run prevention streak in playoff history
Yeah, I’m saying they have the better staff on paper. Results might be a different story.
NLCS* on Monday. Not NLDS
NCIS starts on Tuesday.
What time?
If Peralta doesn’t eat up some innings in his next start it’s going to be a disaster
I feel they are making a mistake. He not only should be on the roster, he should be the opener in every single game. To save their starters, of course.
I’m here to help.
then he might not be a dodger next season (injury)
Dodgers can find another injured high upside arm.
Darn, @mark has the brewers playing in the nlds again? Brutal
@philliesfan215
Every team must play in the NLDS. Phillies lost so get a chance against the Brewers. Whoever wins faces the Dodgers in a cage match, no-holds fight.
I’d watch that
Quinn Priester was victim of bad strike zone in his Cubs start. He hasn’t pitched since, he is very capable to go 6 innings, more so than Peralta this season.
Peralta a game. Bullpen game. Flip it back to Priester/ Peralta, bullpen game. Hope we get a 7 game series win by the Brewers so Woodruff is ready for the 3IP Ashby and Misiorowski roll.
As I’ve often said, Ashby is NOT the answer! Keep hoping he’ll prove me wrong. He’s too erratic and always has been. I don’t think he should be the opener in Game 1. Enough with the gimmicks and pitching Freddy on 3 days short rest.
The team and entire staff beat LA during the season. Use them all, not just the same 3-5 guys. Throw Priester out there tonight. If they win, go with Quintana or Myers or Patrick in Game 2, then Freddy in Game 3.