​ST. LOUIS — The Milwaukee Brewers have announced that Brandon Woodruff, their starting pitcher, will face another setback in his surgically repaired right shoulder. After exiting early from his latest outing and subsequently returning to the injured list, Woodruff underwent an MRI that revealed a new injury to his anterior capsule, a region of the shoulder that has already required surgical attention in the past. The Brewers initially diagnosed him with inflammation, but they arranged for a second opinion from renowned shoulder surgeon Dr. Keith Meister to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best course of action.
Woodruff, 33, has been navigating a challenging period on the mound. He showed a drop in velocity during his latest appearance in Arizona and was pulled out in the fourth inning of his third start since being activated from the injured list. This comes after a nearly two-month IL stint earlier this season while he recovered from a minor procedure to remove a cyst. The latest development adds to the intrigue surrounding his return, as the team and medical staff assess whether surgery, extended rest, or a different treatment approach will be necessary to restore his previous form.
In nine starts this season, Woodruff has posted a 2.98 ERA, a number that reflects his high level of performance when healthy. However, he did not pitch at all in 2024, making the 2025 season his return to the mound. He did return midway through last season and delivered solid results before a lat muscle strain prevented him from appearing in the playoffs. This combination of absences and injuries has tested both Woodruff and the Brewers, who are counting on his presence to stabilize a rotation that relies on his veteran presence and proven upside.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy spoke to reporters in St. Louis prior to the game, offering a candid assessment of Woodruff’s situation. “It’s hard, but he’s trying to be strong, and he’s trying to look for the positive in all of it,” Murphy said. “He was so good when he was pitching. He makes the whole room relax.” The manager’s remarks underscored the value Woodruff brings to Milwaukee’s staff whenever he is on the mound and his intangible impact on the club’s clubhouse dynamics.
The Brewers now face a pivotal decision about Woodruff’s next steps. With the shoulder injury confirmed as a new issue in the anterior capsule, Milwaukee will weigh surgical options, rehabilitation timelines, and the potential impact on the rotation for the rest of the season. The team’s medical staff, alongside Dr. Meister, will likely outline a plan that balances the urgency of returning a healthy, fully capable Woodruff with the long-term goal of sustaining his career beyond this season.
As the team navigates this new hurdle, the question remains how soon Woodruff can resume throwing and what role he will play upon his return. The organization will be monitoring his progress closely, adjusting workload and rehabilitation strategies to optimize healing while preserving his arm for the future. Brewers fans will undoubtedly be keen on any updates regarding Woodruff’s condition, the proposed treatment path, and the projected timeline for his return to the mound, given the impactful presence he has shown when at his best.
In the meantime, Milwaukee continues to evaluate its pitching depth and rotation options, preparing for contingencies in light of this developing injury. The Brewers’ staff remains committed to providing Woodruff with the best possible care while pursuing a return to the form that made him a cornerstone of the club’s rotation. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the trajectory of Woodruff’s recovery and the steps the team takes to safeguard its pitching staff for the road ahead.