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In a moment that will be etched in Milwaukee Brewers lore, Brandon Woodruff took the mound in a World Series game on Tuesday night, months after being informed that his season was finished.
The achievement is remarkable given the circumstances. Back in July, Woodruff was placed on the Injured List with an anterior shoulder capsule injury—the same type of injury that required surgery and cut short his 2023 season, forcing him to miss all of 2024. He had also pitched in only 12 games in 2025. When the announcement came that surgery was needed again, fears arose that Woodruff might never pitch for the Brewers again.
However, in late August, it was revealed that surgery would not be necessary after all. Woodruff immediately began throwing, clinging to the slim hope of returning if the Brewers could reach the World Series. Many considered it impossible, but Woodruff has consistently overcome adversity throughout his career. He did it again.
A Storybook Night
On Monday night, Woodruff pitched one inning. The statistics are irrelevant. The mere fact that he was able to take the hill with "Milwaukee" across his chest and record the final out of a World Series game is enough—more than enough. It is special.
To fully appreciate Monday night, one must recall the struggles Woodruff faced earlier in the season. When surgery was announced, it signaled not just the end of his 2026 season but very likely the 2027 season as well. Instead, he delivered an unforgettable moment for Milwaukee fans.
Few players embody Milwaukee better than Woodruff. Drafted out of Mississippi State in the 11th round of the 2014 MLB Draft, he made his big league debut in 2017 and has known only the Brewers organization. When he arrived, the team was not the perennial contender it is today. Alongside Christian Yelich, who joined in 2018, Woodruff played a pivotal role in transforming the culture. Since the duo teamed up, Milwaukee has reached the playoffs in eight of nine seasons, captured six National League Central titles, and now stands one win away from a World Series championship. Woodruff's first season in 2017 was the final year of a six-year playoff drought for the franchise—and unbeknownst to fans, the beginning of a golden era.
On Monday, a hero in Brewers history achieved the unthinkable, much like the idea of winning a World Series once seemed. On Tuesday, Milwaukee can finish the job.