The Brewers’ rotation took another hit over the weekend, and that’s exactly why the trade market has to be on Milwaukee’s radar right now.
Brandon Woodruff was forced out of his July 4 start against the Arizona Diamondbacks with an injury that looks a lot like the one that already sidelined him from April 30 through June 22. Earlier this season, that stretch was tied to shoulder inflammation, and he eventually had a procedure to address a cyst in his shoulder as well. He came back on June 22 and looked every bit like the ace Milwaukee remembers, firing six shutout innings against the Cincinnati Reds while allowing one hit and striking out 10 in just 79 pitches.
Now he’s back on the Injured List, and the Brewers are once again waiting on his shoulder.
“It gets frustrating having to go through this stuff, but I'm in a good spot mentally with it,” Woodruff said. “I know what's before me. I know what I'm dealing with, so if I can avoid some things, it just becomes, 'Get back on the field and pitch and help them win.'”
Milwaukee can only hope that’s the end of the setback. But with Woodruff uncertain, the front office has to think bigger than just the next rehab update.
The Brewers have Jacob Misiorowski and Kyle Harrison giving them a two-headed monster, and Logan Henderson should be back this week, but this staff still needs another veteran arm for the stretch run. When injuries keep stacking up, depth stops being a luxury and starts looking like a necessity.
That’s why Sandy Alcántara should be the name Milwaukee circles first.
Tarik Skubal would be the dream add, but the Detroit Tigers have quietly put together the best record in the American League since June 1 at 18-12, even while sitting 10 games under .500 at 40-50. Alcántara, though, feels more realistic as the Brewers look for an innings-eater who can steady the whole operation.
The former National League Cy Young Award winner missed time in 2024, but he’s shown over the last two seasons that he’s healthy again. More importantly for Milwaukee, he’s the kind of starter who takes the ball and keeps going.
He’s tied for the league lead with 19 starts and leads baseball with 123 2/3 innings pitched. That matters for a Brewers club that has spent the season patching things together.
Alcántara would give Milwaukee the kind of dependable presence it has leaned on before. Last season, when injuries piled up, Freddy Peralta was the arm that kept showing up every fifth day. The Brewers need that same kind of peace of mind now - a starter who can work deep enough to help the bullpen and give the team a little breathing room.
And this isn’t just about durability. Alcántara has the stuff to match the workload, too. He’s 10-4 with a 4.00 ERA and a 92-to-33 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
The obstacle is Miami’s place in the standings. The Marlins have been solid at 49-42, and they’re tied with the St.
Louis Cardinals for the third National League Wild Card spot. If that holds, moving Alcántara may not be in the cards.
But if Miami slips, Milwaukee should be ready to pounce. With Woodruff back on the shelf and the injuries continuing to pile up, Alcántara is the arm the Brewers need to be watching.
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