yahoo
In a move that underscores both hope and calculated risk, the Milwaukee Brewers have placed right-hander Brandon Woodruff on their 26-man World Series roster, the team announced just hours before Game 1 on Friday, Oct. 23. The decision comes as a significant surprise given that Woodruff, the longest-tenured member of the Brewers' pitching staff, has not appeared in a major league game since July 4 because of a shoulder capsule injury.
Woodruff, 33, takes the roster spot of right-handed reliever Chad Patrick. Initially, the injury was thought to require surgery, but in August, Woodruff and medical professionals concluded that a rehabilitation program could allow him to avoid an operation. He then began a throwing program with the knowledge that the Brewers were virtually assured of a playoff berth.
However, rostering Woodruff carries inherent risk: while injured players can be replaced mid-series, they must remain on the roster if the injury is deemed pre-existing. Woodruff threw a live batting practice session this week and impressed hitters, according to manager Pat Murphy, who spoke on Thursday.
"It's almost incredible that the kid has worked his way back," Murphy said. "His mind was on this. He was very quiet about it, but his mind was on this. It's kind of incredible, and he threw the ball really well."
Woodruff has spent nine seasons with the Brewers and sat out the 2024 campaign due to a shoulder injury. In nine starts this season before the injury, he posted a 2.98 ERA. "It hasn't been easy getting to this point," Woodruff said on Thursday. "But I'm here now. And that's all I can ask for. I just want to be an option."
Key Analysis
The Brewers' decision to include Woodruff on the World Series roster is a high-stakes gamble that could pay off handsomely if he can recapture his form. His presence adds depth and experience to a pitching staff that will need all the help it can get against a formidable opponent. While the risk of re-injury or ineffectiveness looms, the potential reward of a healthy Woodruff anchoring the rotation or providing key innings out of the bullpen is substantial. Manager Pat Murphy and the front office clearly believe that Woodruff's talent and determination make him worth the roster spot, even if his exact role remains uncertain.
For Woodruff, simply being on the roster is a testament to his perseverance. After a grueling rehab process, he now has the opportunity to contribute on the sport's biggest stage. Whether he pitches or not, his presence alone serves as an inspiration to his teammates and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of postseason baseball.
Full World Series Roster
Pitchers (13): LHP Aaron Ashby, LHP Shane Drohan, RHP Logan Henderson, RHP Dustin May, RHP Trevor Megill, RHP Jacob Misiorowski, LHP JoJo Romero, RHP Antonio Senzatela, RHP Abner Uribe, RHP Brandon Woodruff.
Catchers (2): William Contreras, Gary Sánchez
Infielders (6): Jake Bauers, David Hamilton, Joey Ortiz, Brice Turang, Cooper Pratt, Andrew Vaughn
Outfielders (5): Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick, Luis Lara, Garrett Mitchell, Christian Yelich
World Series Schedule
Game 1: Friday, Oct. 23 – 8 PM ET, at Milwaukee
Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 24 – 8 PM ET, at Milwaukee
Game 3: Monday, Oct. 26 – 8 PM ET, at Tampa Bay
Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 27 – 8 PM ET, at Tampa Bay
Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, Oct. 28 – 8 PM ET, at Tampa Bay
Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, Oct. 30 – 8 PM ET, at Milwaukee
Game 7 (if necessary): Saturday, Oct. 31 – 8 PM ET, at Milwaukee
Originally reported by yahoo.