Brewers’ Brandon Woodruff Out for NLDS; Team Adjusts Rotation

The Milwaukee Brewers just took a tough hit before the NLDS. Star pitcher Brandon Woodruff will miss the series against the Chicago Cubs because of a right lat strain.

Manager Pat Murphy broke the news on Friday. He said the injury isn’t tied to the shoulder surgery that sidelined Woodruff last season.

The Brewers are still hopeful for his future, but losing him now really shakes up Milwaukee’s pitching plans for the postseason.

Woodruff’s Setback Comes at a Crucial Moment

The timing couldn’t be worse for Woodruff’s injury. The 32-year-old right-hander had looked sharp all season after a long rehab from October 2023 shoulder surgery.

Before September 17, he’d put up a 7-2 record with a 3.20 ERA in 12 starts. Then, discomfort in his triceps during a bullpen session led doctors to find a lat strain, ending his shot at the NLDS.

Diagnosis and Timeline for Return

Woodruff landed on the injured list on September 21. He says his recovery is moving “day by day,” but pitching in the NLDS isn’t happening.

Murphy hinted that the NLCS is probably out too. Maybe, just maybe, Woodruff could return if the Brewers reach the World Series.

The Lat Strain Explained

The latissimus dorsi, or “lat,” is a key muscle for pitchers. It helps power and stabilize the shoulder during every throw.

Strains here need careful recovery, especially for someone who just got back from shoulder surgery. If Woodruff pushes too fast, he could risk not just this postseason but future years as well.

Impact on the Brewers’ Rotation

Milwaukee now has to juggle its starting rotation without Woodruff. Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta will have to step up, and the bullpen will probably see more action.

Without Woodruff, the Brewers lose a steady arm known for big playoff moments and racking up strikeouts.

Woodruff’s Career in Context

Woodruff has been one of Milwaukee’s most reliable starters in recent memory:

• 53-28 career record
• 3.10 ERA over seven MLB seasons
• 871 strikeouts in 745 innings pitched
• Final year of a two-year, $17.5 million contract

He calls Milwaukee his “second home.” That kind of loyalty makes this setback sting a little more for everyone involved.

Returning from Previous Injury

Back in October 2023, Woodruff had surgery to repair an anterior capsule tear in his right shoulder. That kept him out until mid-2024.

His return was a big deal for Brewers fans. It really showed his grit and determination. Now, with this lat strain, he faces yet another obstacle just as he was hitting his stride again.

Postseason Implications

Going into the NLDS without your No. 2 starter is a major challenge. The Cubs have a dangerous lineup, so Milwaukee will need to lean hard on its pitching depth and creative bullpen moves.

The Brewers have battled through plenty this season. Still, losing a proven playoff arm could tip the scales in a close series.

Possible World Series Return

Murphy’s not counting on Woodruff for the NLCS. There’s a tiny chance he could make it back for the World Series, depending on how fast the lat heals and if the risk is worth it.

For now, though, the Brewers have to plan like he won’t return until 2025. And honestly, that’s a tough pill to swallow.

Final Thoughts

Brandon Woodruff’s absence in the NLDS hits the Milwaukee Brewers hard—physically and emotionally. His talent and experience? You just can’t swap those out.

Still, baseball’s weird like that. Sometimes, when things look bleak, someone steps up and surprises everyone.

Now, Milwaukee’s rotation faces a real test without one of their pillars. Can they hold things together and keep the dream alive?

For Brewers fans, Woodruff’s injury feels like a gut punch after such a hopeful season. But hey, if the team makes it deep into October, maybe there’s a wild twist left in his Milwaukee story.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Brewers All-Star Woodruff won’t pitch in NLDS