Brandon Woodruff Ready to Return to MLB Mound After Two Years

After nearly two years of setbacks and hard work, Milwaukee Brewers’ ace Brandon Woodruff is finally set to return to Major League Baseball. The right-hander hasn’t pitched in the big leagues for 652 days after a shoulder injury and a string of obstacles.

This blog takes a look at Woodruff’s journey back to the mound, his rehab, and what fans and fantasy managers might expect as the 30-year-old plans to face the Miami Marlins this Sunday.

Brandon Woodruff’s Journey Through Adversity

Woodruff’s path back hasn’t been easy. The first major blow hit in October 2023 when he had anterior capsule surgery on his throwing shoulder.

That surgery often sidelines pitchers for years. Early projections said Woodruff might not pitch again until 2025.

Even as he fought through rehab, things only got tougher.

Setbacks Test Woodruff’s Resolve

In May, Woodruff hurt his ankle and that derailed his recovery. Just as he started looking like himself again, a line drive struck his elbow during a rehab session in June.

These setbacks delayed his return even more and left plenty of people wondering if he could really come back from all this. But giving up? That was never on the table for Woodruff.

A Successful Triple-A Stint Shines Hope

Against the odds, Woodruff started making real progress in rehab. His Triple-A outings showed flashes of his old self.

He posted a 3.55 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP, and a 23/8 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 25.1 innings. His fastball velocity hit 95.4 mph, which feels like a good sign that his arm strength and mechanics are coming back.

Adjusting His Approach and Pitch Arsenal

Woodruff admits his pitches might not be as sharp as before. To adapt, he’s added an 82 mph sweeper to his mix.

This new pitch complements his usual stuff and shows he’s willing to change things up after injury. He knows there will be rough patches during his comeback, so right now, staying healthy and finding his form matter more than instant dominance.

What Does Woodruff’s Return Mean for the Brewers and Fantasy Baseball?

The Brewers are welcoming Woodruff back but keeping expectations in check. With his long absence and injury history, Milwaukee plans to manage his innings carefully.

The rest of the rotation is healthy, so they don’t have to push him too hard. That’s a relief for everyone involved.

Fantasy Baseball Implications

Fantasy managers are probably feeling both excited and a bit nervous. Woodruff’s track record makes him tempting, but it’s smart to be cautious for now.

He likely won’t be throwing like an ace right away, and the Brewers will watch his pitch counts closely. If you’re thinking about starting him in fantasy, maybe hold off until he shows some consistency.

More Than Just a Return: A Milestone Moment

For Woodruff, stepping back onto an MLB mound means more than just competing again. It’s a personal victory after years of rehab and stubborn determination.

He’s eager to pitch in front of fans and reconnect with the game he loves. The road ahead won’t be easy, but this Sunday marks a huge step in his story.

Final Thoughts

Brandon Woodruff’s journey back to the MLB really shows what stubborn determination can pull off. He’s not instantly back at his pre-injury peak, but just seeing him out there pitching again feels like a win.

He’s moving forward with a cautious, realistic mindset. Fans everywhere are probably crossing their fingers, hoping he’ll reclaim that dominant edge on the mound.

Right now, though, his story is about fighting through setbacks. Honestly, baseball just feels a bit more complete with Woodruff back in the mix.

 
Here is the source article for this story: After two years, Brandon Woodruff is excited to go pitch again on an MLB mound