As the Milwaukee Brewers gear up for the 2026 season, there's a bit of uncertainty surrounding their Opening Day starter. Brandon Woodruff, who many expected to take the mound, described his status as "up in the air." The veteran right-hander, who has battled injuries over the past few seasons, has yet to appear in a Cactus League game, and the timeline for his Spring Training debut remains unclear.
The Brewers are cautiously pacing their starting pitchers this year, and Woodruff is on a distinct schedule compared to his rotation counterparts. While fans would love to see Woodruff make his first Opening Day start since 2021, the priority is ensuring he stays healthy throughout the season. Woodruff has missed postseason action for three consecutive years, making his availability at the end of the season more crucial than being ready for March 26.
Meanwhile, the Brewers' uncertainty is compounded by news from the New York Mets, who have named Freddy Peralta as their Opening Day starter. Peralta, a former Brewers ace, is set to lead the Mets against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26.
This marks Peralta's third consecutive Opening Day start, and he'll face a challenging matchup against Paul Skenes. The Mets' offense will need Peralta to deliver a stellar performance to secure a victory.
For Brewers fans, seeing Peralta in a Mets uniform and starting on Opening Day while their own rotation is still in flux is a tough pill to swallow. However, the Brewers have shown they have the depth to succeed regardless of how the season begins.
With or without Woodruff on Opening Day, Milwaukee's rotation is poised for a strong 2026 campaign. The focus remains on finishing strong, and the Brewers are well-equipped to do just that.