​The Milwaukee Brewers announced a wave of roster moves ahead of their final game in the first half of the 2026 season. Veteran pitcher Brandon Woodruff was originally placed on the 15-day injured list, but as of Sunday, July 12, the team transferred him to the 60-day IL. Milwaukee has endured a high number of injuries to its starting pitchers, but Brewers fans will be encouraged to learn that Coleman Crow has been reinstated from the 15-day IL and has been optioned to Triple-A Nashville.
In a separate development, the Brewers acquired infielder Braden Shewmake from the Houston Astros for cash considerations. In return, utility man Greg Jones was designated for assignment. Manager Pat Murphy is treating this move with immediacy, as Shewmake is slated to bat ninth on Sunday and will likely take over at third base, a position the team had a modest need for now that David Hamilton is sidelined.
Cooper Pratt earned a day off, with Joey Ortiz stepping in at shortstop. According to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Curt Hogg, minor-league star Jett Williams likely would have received a call-up were it not for a minor wrist injury. It’s uncertain how long Shewmake will remain at the major-league level, but he has a chance to make an immediate impact.
Hogg noted that the Brewers moved Woodruff to the 60-day IL while awaiting official guidance on next steps following his visit with Dr. Keith Meister, a decision expected after the All-Star break. It appears unlikely Woodruff can be promptly transferred before a second opinion, and given his age and the trajectory of his career, there is real concern that Woodruff could have pitched his final game for Milwaukee. Meister, who performed Woodruff’s initial major surgery back in 2023, kept him out for well over a season, and that history adds to the cautious outlook surrounding his status.
Jones, 28, had struggled this season, batting .087 in 23 at-bats across 21 appearances, including 12 games in 2026 with the Brewers. He recorded just two hits, one RBI, and a stolen base. Over his three-year major league career, Jones has accumulated only 30 at-bats in total, with 21 game appearances, 12 of which came in 2026 for Milwaukee. Now that Shewmake has joined the club, the Brewers chose to move on from the North Carolina native.
This slate of moves reflects a proactive approach by Brewers’ leadership as they navigate injuries and look to maximize performance at the major-league level while integrating players from the farm system and newly acquired talent. The changes underscore the franchise’s intent to maintain competitiveness during a pivotal stretch of the season, even as health challenges persist for key pitchers.