Brewers Rotation Update: Woodruff Returns, Garabito Progressing

This article digs into the Milwaukee Brewers’ rotation after the Freddy Peralta trade. There’s a big focus on Brandon Woodruff’s health, spring progress, and the cluster of arms vying for a starting spot.

It also touches on Gerson Garabito’s setback and how a wide-open competition shapes the club’s plans for this season—and maybe even further down the road.

Brewers’ Rotation Behind Freddy Peralta: The Post-Trade Landscape

Brandon Woodruff now brings the most experience to Milwaukee’s rotation after the team moved on from Freddy Peralta. But he’s hit a few health snags and isn’t quite up to speed in spring camp just yet.

Woodruff landed on the IL late in 2025 with a lat strain. He admitted it’s “too early to say” if he’ll be ready for Opening Day.

His main focus? Just stay healthy, from spring through the end of the season. That’s the whole plan, really.

He threw about 25 live pitches recently and said he felt fine, so he’ll keep building up his workload bit by bit. The Brewers want to get Woodruff as ready as possible—but not risk another setback.

What happens with Woodruff could shape how Milwaukee handles its rotation without Peralta. The team remembers all too well his shoulder surgery that wiped out most of 2024, so they’re not taking chances.

Woodruff’s Return: Health, Schedule, and Opening Day Uncertainty

Woodruff used to be the picture of durability, but injuries have dogged him since 2022. After shoulder surgery, he came back in July 2024 and made 12 starts with a 3.20 ERA.

He struck out 32.3% of hitters and walked just 5.4%. Those are great numbers when he’s actually healthy.

But is he really a frontline arm from day one in 2026? The Brewers have to wonder. For now, they’re just going to take it slow and keep a close watch for any issues.

Depth to Watch: Misiorowski, Priester, and the Competition

After Woodruff, the Brewers have a ton of depth this spring. They’ll need it in case anyone misses time early on.

Jacob Misiorowski and Quinn Priester seem like good bets to land in the rotation. But they’re hardly the only options.

There’s a whole crew of pitchers who might bounce between Triple-A and the big leagues. Milwaukee’s been leaning into that flexibility to keep arms fresh and stretched out.

• Chad Patrick
• Logan Henderson
• DL Hall
• Aaron Ashby
• Brandon Sproat
• Robert Gasser
• Ángel Zerpa
• Kyle Harrison
• Shane Drohan
• Coleman Crow
• Carlos Rodríguez

Depth matters in this division. One injury or a slow start in camp can totally change the Opening Day roster.

The Brewers’ plan? Use optionable pitchers and shuffle them as needed, keeping the bullpen stocked and ready to patch any early holes.

Gerson Garabito: Setback for a Non-Roster Invitee

It’s a crowded hill this spring. Gerson Garabito, a non-roster invitee who signed after a strong rebound in the KBO with Samsung (2.64 ERA in 15 starts), just hit a frustrating snag.

He had surgery for a broken foot and now faces about four months on the shelf. That definitely delays any shot at returning to affiliated ball.

It’s tough—sometimes even reliable depth arms lose all their momentum when injuries pop up out of nowhere.

What This Means for Milwaukee’s Season Outlook

Milwaukee’s plan depends on keeping key arms healthy and having backup options ready. If Woodruff can’t go on Opening Day, the Brewers could turn to Misiorowski and Priester, keeping a close eye on the rest of the staff during spring.

The roster really shows their bigger philosophy: rest the important guys, but always have a stash of affordable, controllable pitchers who could jump in at any moment.

As spring moves along, the Brewers will juggle a veteran starter trying to bounce back and a group of young, optionable pitchers who could help right away or later in the year. That kind of flexibility might be their best weapon—even if Garabito has to wait for another shot.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Brewers Notes: Rotation, Woodruff, Garabito