Milwaukee – Pitcher Brandon Woodruff, a two‑time All‑Star who has spent his entire career with the Brewers, announced that recent medical scans indicate he will not need another shoulder operation. The news, delivered before the team’s game against the Atlanta Braves, gives the Brewers a faint hope that Woodruff might see action before the season ends, though the odds remain low.
Medical update and recovery plan
Woodruff suffered a right‑shoulder injury in early July that initially seemed to require anterior capsule surgery – the same procedure he underwent in October 2023. After consulting with Dr. Keith Meister, the surgeon who performed the 2023 operation, Woodruff received a recommendation that surgery was unnecessary this time. Scans taken four weeks after the injury showed improvement, and the pitcher will begin a throwing progression by playing catch on Wednesday.
“I’m very thankful, because I knew what surgery was going to do to me,” Woodruff said, reflecting on his previous experience. He had not pitched again until July 2025 after the 2023 surgery, so avoiding another operation could shorten his recovery timeline.
Season outlook
Brewers manager Pat Murphy acknowledged the possibility of a return, saying, “I think there’s a low possibility, but I think there’s a possibility, and why not go with it?” He added that the team will monitor Woodruff’s progress closely, weighing the risk of re‑injury against the desire to have a veteran arm in the rotation.
Woodruff’s 2026 season has been limited to nine starts, posting a 2.98 ERA and a 2‑2 record before heading to the injured list in early May. He left a May game in the second inning after a noticeable drop in velocity and returned briefly in late June, only to experience another velocity dip during a July 4 start in Arizona. He has not pitched since.
Career context
At 33, Woodruff holds the best career ERA (3.10) in Brewers franchise history for pitchers with at least 500 innings. His performance has been a cornerstone for Milwaukee’s pitching staff, and his potential return, even in a limited role, would bolster the rotation as the team pushes for a playoff spot.
Other Brewers injury news
Murphy also noted that outfielder Sal Frelick is expected to return for the upcoming series against the New York Mets. Frelick has been dealing with a right‑shoulder strain and last appeared on July 17. He is batting .236 with four home runs, 34 RBIs and six steals in 90 games.
The Brewers are hopeful that both Woodruff and Frelick can rejoin the lineup soon, providing the team with depth on the mound and in the outfield as the season reaches its critical stretch.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
