Brandon Woodruff Out of NLDS Despite Manager Saying He’s 100%

The Milwaukee Brewers head into the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Chicago Cubs missing one of their most reliable arms. Starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff is officially out with a shoulder injury.

Manager Pat Murphy broke the news Friday. He explained that Woodruff’s shoulder is “100 percent intact” structurally, but a recent right lat strain keeps him sidelined.

This absence adds a twist to an already tight postseason matchup. Two division rivals, each with their own strengths, now face off with a little more uncertainty in the air.

Brandon Woodruff’s Injury Blow

The timing of Woodruff’s setback is tough for Brewers fans. He landed on the 15-day injured list late in the season after straining his right lat.

He won’t recover in time for October baseball. That’s a big blow for Milwaukee.

A Look at Woodruff’s 2024 Season Stats

Even missing the final stretch, Woodruff put up strong numbers. He finished the regular season with:

• 7-2 win-loss record
• 3.20 ERA
• 83 strikeouts

He’s been a steady force for Milwaukee. Since his MLB debut, Woodruff has a 53-28 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 871 strikeouts in 127 starts.

The Brewers have leaned on his big-game mentality in past playoff runs. Now, losing him stings—not just on the mound, but in the clubhouse, too.

Murphy’s Adjustments for the NLDS

Manager Pat Murphy, now in his second season, has to adjust fast. Without Woodruff, the Brewers’ rotation for the NLDS will feature Freddy Peralta, Quinn Priester, and José Quintana.

Each pitcher brings something different to the table. Together, they’ll try to keep Chicago’s dangerous bats from doing too much damage.

Pitching Depth in the Bullpen

The bullpen will play a huge role in Milwaukee’s postseason hopes. The Brewers have a mix of young and experienced relievers, including:

• DL Hall
• Jacob Misiorowski
• Chad Patrick
• Trevor Megill

This group has handled high-pressure innings before. Still, the Cubs lineup is notorious for late-game rallies and power, so the test is real.

Series Matchup: Pitching vs. Offense

FanDuel lists Milwaukee as slight favorites heading into the series. That’s probably because of the Brewers’ pitching depth—even with Woodruff out.

Some analysts think Milwaukee’s arms can slow down Chicago’s power hitters. It feels like a chess match between pitching and offense, doesn’t it?

Cubs’ Offensive Edge

The Cubs roll into this series with a lineup that can change the game in an instant. Their offense puts pressure on pitchers early and often, forcing mistakes by the middle innings.

Milwaukee’s challenge? Limit those big moments and find their own timely hits when it matters.

The Intangibles: Experience and Momentum

Playoff baseball isn’t just about numbers. Momentum, experience, and grit often tip the scales.

The Brewers’ locker room is full of postseason experience, and losing Woodruff might spark a “next man up” attitude. The Cubs, meanwhile, have spent the year overcoming their own hurdles. The NLDS feels like a battle of mental toughness as much as talent.

Why This NLDS Matters

This isn’t just any Division Series. Milwaukee and Chicago have built up a pretty fierce rivalry over the past few seasons.

Every pitch, every defensive gem, every clutch hit—yeah, they all feel heavier right now. The Brewers need to figure things out without their ace, and if they do, Murphy might just earn a reputation for postseason magic.

The Cubs? If they break through Milwaukee’s pitching, that’s a statement. It’d set the tone for a wild Championship Series ahead.

Brandon Woodruff’s absence shakes things up, no question. But postseason baseball loves unlikely heroes, and the Brewers aren’t out of tools yet.

Can Milwaukee’s pitching depth hold off Chicago’s offense? That’s the real story here. Feels like this could go down to the very last inning, maybe even the last pitch.

 
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