The Milwaukee Brewers will be without their star right-hander, Brandon Woodruff, for the upcoming National League Wild Card series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The timing of Woodruff’s nagging shoulder injury couldn’t be worse as Milwaukee attempts to make a postseason run.
“He has a right shoulder capsular injury,” Brewers manager Counsell said. “We’re working on a second opinion for Brandon over the next couple of days. Frankly, his availability for the whole season is up in the air at this point.”
Despite missing more than two months earlier in the season due to shoulder inflammation, the 30-year-old pitcher made a strong comeback in August, going 4-1 with a 2.13 ERA over eight starts.
In his last regular-season appearance against the Miami Marlins on Saturday, Woodruff struggled, giving up four runs over five innings and later reported feeling discomfort.
“Had the live (throwing session) the other day and the ball was coming out great, but I didn’t feel that great,” Woodruff said.
“I didn’t think anything of it. And then playing catch yesterday is when I first realized it was a very similar thing to what I was having in Arizona before I had that MRI. I basically just went in and told them what I was feeling.”
#Brewers P Brandon Woodruff gets emotional while discussing the news of his injury👇
“We got a good clubhouse and I wanted to be a part of that.” pic.twitter.com/vHMRe4zXWU
— Hunter Baumgardt (@hunterbonair) October 2, 2023
Woodruff’s absence comes as a significant blow to the Brewers, who clinched their third NL Central title in six years this season.
Woodruff, along with Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta, formed the core of Milwaukee’s pitching rotation and played a pivotal role in the team’s success. He finished fifth in the 2021 NL Cy Young Award voting.
Over his career, Woodruff has amassed considerable postseason experience, starting four games and appearing in eight since 2018, compiling a respectable 3.18 ERA.
Burnes is slated to start Game 1 of the Wild Card series for the Brewers, as initially planned by Counsell. However, the manager declined to announce a starter for Game 2, a role for which Woodruff would have been a strong candidate.
“It’s tough to have one of your better arms go down,” Burnes said. “Obviously we don’t know the extent of what’s going on and how long it’s going to be. But it means that it’s another opportunity for another guy to step up and fill his shoes and try to replicate what he would do out there on the mound.”
Losing Brandon Woodruff sucks. But we have solid depth. Next man up. Hopefully we can get him back down the stretch.
And hell, let’s #DoItForWoody
— Evan (@EvanBoller) October 3, 2023
Despite the setback, Woodruff remains hopeful about a possible return later in the postseason should the Brewers advance to the NLDS series or beyond.
Further details on his condition are expected to emerge in the coming days as he seeks a second medical opinion.
“A lot of it is up in the air,” Woodruff said. “I’m going to get a second opinion. I’m still waiting to figure out all those details in the next few days.”
The Brewers boasted the best pitching staff in the majors this season with a 3.71 ERA, which should help mitigate the loss of Woodruff, even though he is among the top pitchers in the NL.
However, the timing of the injury could have a significant emotional impact on the team.
“It just popped up at the wrong time,” Woodruff said, his voice quivering with emotion. “But maybe it’s also a blessing because maybe I can have it taken care of.”
Woodruff paused, reflecting on the situation: “We’ve got a good clubhouse, and I want to be a part of that. And, you know, sitting here now, I may not. That’s the hard part.”
You can’t help but feel for Woodruff. Hopefully he’s able to make it back in time.
Regardless, do you think the Brewers are legitimate World Series contenders?
What’s your early World Series prediction?