Summary
- Brandon Woodruff is on Milwaukee's 26-man roster for the World Series against Tampa Bay.
- He replaces right-hander Chad Patrick, the only change to the Brewers' roster.
- Woodruff has not pitched since July 4; he threw a 23-pitch simulated session Tuesday before making the roster.
A surprising return
Brandon Woodruff's season looked all but finished in July. The Milwaukee right-hander had a shoulder setback and was expected to undergo another surgery. Instead, a scan in August showed improvement, the surgery was canceled, and he began a throwing program. On Friday, the Brewers made the improbable comeback official: Woodruff is on their 26-man roster for the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The decision brings the club's longest-tenured player back into the postseason mix after he missed Milwaukee's first two rounds. [1] [2]
Patrick is the roster casualty
Milwaukee's move for the best-of-seven series is a one-for-one swap: Woodruff takes the spot of right-hander Chad Patrick. Patrick was on the roster for both the National League Division Series and Championship Series but did not pitch in either round. The Brewers used 11 of their 13 pitchers while beating San Diego and sweeping the Dodgers, giving the club a choice between Patrick and left-hander Kyle Harrison as it considered how to make room for Woodruff. The final roster keeps 13 pitchers and 13 position players. [1] [2]
A short ramp-up, with questions still open
Woodruff has not appeared in a game since July 4. He threw off a mound during each of Milwaukee's first two playoff series, then faced hitters in a 23-pitch simulated outing on Tuesday. He said the session went as well as it could have, but acknowledged he had not pitched in a game for three months. In nine regular-season starts this year, he went 2-2 with a 2.98 ERA. The roster decision makes him available; it does not by itself establish when or how Milwaukee will use him. [1] [2]
The risk behind the feel-good story
The recovery creates a compelling late-season possibility, but also a difficult roster calculation. MLB.com reported that the Brewers worried the league might not approve a replacement if Woodruff were injured again, because the issue could be treated as pre-existing. Woodruff, a two-time All-Star who has been with Milwaukee since his 2014 draft selection, told reporters he cared about winning and understood the decision was not easy. The Brewers are playing their first World Series since 1982; Woodruff's return gives them an experienced option as they begin the series, while the extent of his contribution remains to be seen. [1] [2]
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