Woodruff and Cortes: Close to Returning
Milwaukee Brewers pitchers Brandon Woodruff and Néstor Cortés are getting closer to returning after prolonged recoveries from their respective injuries. Both Woodruff and Cortés participated in simulated games on Monday. Woodruff, who hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since September 2023, threw 60 pitches. Cortés, who only made two starts this year before going on the injured list in early April, threw between 22 and 23 pitches in the simulated game and about 25-30 more in a bullpen session.Brewers manager Pat Murphy indicated that the staff will work together to determine the next steps for Woodruff, who expects to need only one more rehab outing before making his expected return following shoulder surgery in the 2023 postseason. Cortés aims to begin a rehabilitation appearance in early July before rejoining the Brewers just after the All-Star break, as the 30-year-old lefty recovers from a strain in his throwing elbow flexor.I’ve always been a guy who, when I’m ready, I’m ready. I know it. I’m not saying that’s going to lead to results, but I know I’m ready to pitch and compete. I think I’m already at that point.
Brandon Woodruff
Woodruff, 32, has already been in two separate rehabilitation periods this year. The two-time All-Star right-handed pitcher left the first with tendinitis in his right ankle. He was pitching for Triple-A Nashville again on June 3 when a 108 mph line drive hit him in the right elbow, leaving him with a bruise that delayed his return.We believe that is the safest and fastest way to return, a combination of both things.
Néstor Cortés
Woodruff stated that his family has helped him stay positive. That has also worked for Cortés. Woodruff and his wife, Jonie, have a daughter named Kyler, who turns 5 in August, and a son named Bowen, who was born last July. Cortés’ wife, Alondra, gave birth to Néstor Cortés III in April. That has been the biggest help for me. I was thinking about it last night. Being able to give my son a bottle at night before he goes to bed, you don’t have that when the team is on the road. All these experiences, and being able to see him about to start walking, being able to see that day in and day out, family has been the most important thing, without a doubt. That has filled the time until the game starts and I’m watching the games. Having two kids has definitely kept me busy. As Woodruff and Cortés approach their return, the Brewers await news on the severity of a minor league prospect’s injury.It’s been the hardest. If you don’t stay positive, it makes you miserable to come to the field, to be honest. When the team is on the road and I’m here, Néstor and I are here alone, it’s a pretty lonely place.
Brandon Woodruff
Third baseman Brock Wilken, the No. 18 overall pick in the 2023 draft, from Wake Forest, injured his knee during the celebration of the Biloxi Shuckers’ Double-A Southern League South Division first-half title last week. Murphy said on Monday that Wilken had a dislocated patellar tendon and was awaiting a second opinion on the injury.
Wilken, 23, was batting .230 with an on-base percentage of .392, 18 home runs, 41 RBIs, and 57 walks in 65 games with Biloxi.
