Brewers Fans React to Brandon Woodruff News on Monday
Milwaukee Brewers fans are eager for the return of the team's longest-tenured active player, Brandon Woodruff, who has not pitched since the 2023 season.
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Currently riding a four-game win streak with a 43-35 record, the Brewers rank as the NL Central's second-best team, trailing the Chicago Cubs by just 3.5 games. Their pitching staff has been particularly impressive this June, posting the fourth-best ERA in baseball at 3.36—even without Woodruff's contributions
Woodruff underwent surgery in the fall of 2023 to repair an anterior capsule tear in his right shoulder—a procedure that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2024 season.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53)© Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Although he had been steadily working his way back from the surgery performed in October 2023, his recovery was hampered by setbacks. In mid-May, during one of his rehab assignments, Woodruff suffered ankle tendinitis, and more recently, a bruised elbow followed after being hit by a line drive during a rehab start on June 3.
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Woodruff completed a 60-pitch simulated game today—a key milestone in his recovery process—and is scheduled for another rehab session where he is expected to throw about 80 pitches before a hopeful return to the major league level.
Brewers fans responded to the update on Woodruff's return with mixed reactions.
"I need Woodruff back on the major league mound more than I need oxygen," said an excited Brewers fan.
Another asked, "Who gets bumped from the rotation?"
"Who would be the odd man out?" a fan added.
"What was his velo?" another questioned.
"Could mean the first start he makes back in the big leagues would be in Miami, which is where he made his final start back in 2023, 650 days apart," said one fan.
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Woodruff, a two-time All-Star, demonstrated his pitching talents during the 2023 campaign, where he recorded a 2.28 ERA in 11 starts over 67 innings, posting a 5-1 record with 74 strikeouts before having season-ending shoulder surgery.
Related: Reds' Terry Francona Sends Strong Message After Chase Burns News
Related: MLB Announces Manny Machado News Before Nationals-Padres
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
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