Brandon Woodruff, the seasoned right-hander for the Milwaukee Brewers, finds himself at a crossroads as he navigates another spring training with health concerns looming. Woodruff, the most experienced pitcher in Milwaukee's rotation following the Freddy Peralta trade, is dealing with the aftermath of a lat strain that sidelined him at the end of the 2025 season. As camp unfolds, he's a bit behind schedule and remains non-committal about his readiness for Opening Day.
In a candid chat with reporters, Woodruff expressed uncertainty about his early-season availability, emphasizing his primary goal: staying healthy for the long haul. "It’s up in the air right now," he admitted.
"I want to be available at the end of the year when it matters most." Despite the uncertainty, Woodruff finds solace in his recent progress, having thrown 25 pitches live and feeling positive about his recovery trajectory.
Woodruff's journey has been a rollercoaster. From 2019 to 2022, he was a reliable fixture in the Brewers' rotation.
However, shoulder issues in 2023 led to surgery, wiping out his 2024 season. Returning in 2025, he managed 12 starts with solid results, posting a 3.20 ERA and impressive strikeout and walk rates, despite a slight dip in velocity.
A lat strain in September dashed his postseason hopes, underscoring the need for a cautious approach this year.
With Woodruff's status uncertain, the Brewers are poised to tap into their depth. Jacob Misiorowski and Quinn Priester are likely to secure rotation spots, while Chad Patrick and Logan Henderson are strong contenders for additional roles. The team boasts a wealth of options, including DL Hall, Aaron Ashby, and others, ensuring they can weather early-season absences.
Meanwhile, Gerson Garabito faces a setback of his own. The righty, aiming for a comeback in affiliated ball after a stint in Korea, underwent surgery for a broken foot and will be sidelined for four months.
It's a challenging turn for Garabito, who impressed with a 2.64 ERA in Korea and signed a minor league deal with the Brewers. His journey back to the majors will have to wait as he focuses on recovery.
In Milwaukee, the focus remains on the long game. With a deep roster and an eye on October, the Brewers are prepared to navigate the early hurdles, ensuring their pitching staff is ready when it counts the most.