Return from Shoulder Surgery
The Milwaukee Brewers’ ace Brandon Woodruff is set to make his first appearance since his right shoulder surgery. The injury sidelined him during the Brewers’ playoff run in 2023 and kept him off the field for the entire 2024 season. In a minor league game on Tuesday, Woodruff recorded two outs while allowing three runs on three hits, yet he confirmed feeling healthy.
Cactus League Debut
Woodruff is scheduled to pitch at least one inning in an upcoming Cactus League game against the Guardians at American Family Fields of Phoenix. This appearance marks his first time facing major league hitters not wearing a Brewers uniform since September 23, 2023. The Brewers are taking a cautious approach, gradually easing him back into competitive play with limited exposure in these rehab contests.
Path to Full Recovery
Given his limited workload—only one inning scheduled for the Cactus League game—the focus remains on a careful rehabilitation process. Woodruff will need multiple appearances to ensure a full recovery. While the timeline remains tentative, he could potentially rejoin the Brewers for regular-season action in late April or early May if no setbacks occur.
Career Highlights and Impact
At 31, Woodruff boasts a remarkable career record of 46-26 with a 3.10 ERA, earning two All-Star selections and a fifth-place finish in the National League Cy Young voting in 2021. For years, his partnership with Corbin Burnes created one of the most dynamic top rotations in baseball. With Burnes now having moved on to new opportunities, Woodruff’s return carries added significance for the team and its fans.
