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Immediately after the Milwaukee Brewers completed their sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Brandon Woodruff's thoughts were on celebration. "Partying," he said. "We're gonna party for a while." But once the team charter touched down in Milwaukee on Oct. 16, his focus shifted to a different goal: pitching in the World Series.
The mere possibility of Woodruff being on the Brewers' first World Series roster in 44 years is remarkable. Just two months ago, he was expecting to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery—the second such procedure in four years—that threatened to end his career. However, imaging revealed unexpected healing, allowing him to avoid the knife. Now, there's a chance he could be carving up hitters on baseball's biggest stage.
According to Woodruff, that chance is growing. "It's going to be hard to keep me off that roster," he said after Game 4. "I'm going to do everything I can. I'm in a good spot. It means a lot to me."
On Oct. 13 at Dodger Stadium, Woodruff threw his first high-intent bullpen session since re-injuring his right shoulder on July 4. The 33-year-old felt his stuff was at a level where it could play up against batters. The longest-tenured player on the Brewers will face live hitters during the team's week off before Game 1 of the World Series, which will serve as the final test of his readiness.
"We'll have those conversations in the next few days," Woodruff said. "It'll be pretty big for me. I need to get to the point where I can face some live hitters. Now that I have some time here, it's good. I've always believed in myself. It doesn't matter if I've thrown one pitch in two months or if I have 10 rehab outings, I don't care."
Woodruff admitted that the long wait is a factor in his push to be on the roster. His first shoulder surgery kept him out of the postseason in 2023—an announcement he made through tears right before the playoffs began that year—and he missed the 2024 wild card series while rehabbing. Last year, a right lat strain suffered in September ended his season.
On July 4 in Arizona, Woodruff exited a game in the second inning after his velocity dipped into the low-80s for the second time that season. Shortly thereafter, he announced he would undergo a second surgery on his right anterior capsule. The gregarious Woodruff put on a brave face and said he would try to rehab in hopes of pitching in the majors again, but deep down he knew the grim reality that a second such procedure meant for his career.
Fast forward three months, and Woodruff threw his first high-intent bullpen on Oct. 13 at Dodger Stadium. That context explains why he wants this so badly. "It's not about me at all," he said. "I want to help bring a world championship to the city of Milwaukee."
Key Analysis
Manager Pat Murphy has not used two of his 13 pitchers at all through eight games this postseason, and Dustin May's struggles have continued. If Woodruff passes the necessary tests, there would be room on the roster for him if Milwaukee chooses. "I feel like I can go out there and do it," Woodruff said. "I hope I get that opportunity."
Originally reported by yahoo.