Brandon Woodruff Shines in Brewers Return
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher Brandon Woodruff had an outstanding performance, striking out eight batters and allowing only two hits in six innings against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. This victory marks his first start in the Major Leagues since September 23, 2023. Woodruff, a two-time All-Star, hadn’t pitched in the majors since undergoing shoulder surgery after the 2023 season. In the first episode, Woodruff struck out the three batters he faced. Then, he was substituted after six innings, after throwing 53 of his 70 pitches as strikes, without conceding walks. The only hits he allowed were from Marlins left fielder Heriberto Hernández, who hit a single in the third inning and a home run in the fifth.Grant Anderson and Abner Uribe each pitched a scoreless inning, and Trevor Megill worked the ninth inning to secure his 20th save in 23 opportunities, in the 3-1 victory. Woodruff’s return was highly anticipated, and the 32-year-old right-handed pitcher appreciated the opportunity to return to the Major League mound.Nobody expected six innings, two hits, or whatever. It was sensational. Any concerns anyone had about whether this guy could pitch or about his future, or whatever, were spot on. Location, stuff, everything. … I couldn’t be happier for him and his family, for what it means for the future. It’s special.
Pat Murphy, Manager
Woodruff commented that, before entering his usual routine, thoughts about the prolonged rehabilitation process came to mind. “Just everything you go through in rehab, and thinking about it, oh my gosh, like the worst days,” he said. “It’s like, honestly, you just want to be able to pitch in a game. … Man, once I got out there, once I got into a groove, once I got out on the field, all that goes away.” In his first rehabilitation season, he suffered from tendinitis in his right ankle. He was pitching for Triple-A Nashville on June 3 when a 108 mph hit struck him in the right elbow, leaving him with a bruise that delayed his return. Woodruff said he felt good physically and that the delay in his return was actually a benefit. “It’s given me time to really get everything closer to where I want it to be,” he said. “I just have to keep getting used to this type of workload now. I threw 70 pitches. There was no way I was gassed, but you could feel it a little bit in myself. It’s like when you haven’t done it in almost two years, you forget how much a Major League Baseball game can take out of you mentally and physically.” Woodruff has a 47-26 record with a 3.10 ERA in 116 career starts and 15 relief appearances.Before the day, I definitely thought about it a lot. I just didn’t have expectations. I just wanted to go out and pitch.
Brandon Woodruff
