Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff hasn't pitched a game since July 4 after he suffered a severe shoulder injury that placed him on the 60-day injured list to end his season prematurely. He was able to avoid surgery, but he didn't return to the mound during the 2026 season. However, Woodruff faced live hitters for the first time on Tuesday, pitching to some of his Brewers teammates, in hopes that he could make the World Series roster ahead of Friday's Game 1 versus the Tampa Bay Rays.
It's the first time since 1982 in which the Brewers reached the World Series, and the 10-year Brewer understandably wants to be part of trying to win the franchise's first ring. Woodruff throwing to live hitters allowed him to be "an option" for the World Series roster, but the Brewers still haven't made a decision. The issue is, if the Brewers include Woodruff on the roster and he ends up re-aggravating his shoulder, then there's a chance the team won't be able to replace him on the roster.
They'll want all the help they can get. Woodruff understands his team's decision either way, although he would love to be included on the roster. "I can see it either way.
There's a lot to mull over for them, for sure, about me," Woodruff said Thursday. "Personally, would I love to? I love competing more than anybody.
I want to be out there more than anybody. I think that's a good problem for them to have right now, because there was times where I didn't think I could get myself ready. I've gotten to this point.
It's had to all work out like it has up to this point." When asked if he feels ready to pitch, Woodruff had an easy answer: "Yeah, I'm ready to go. It's a tough decision ahead for Brewers manager Pat Murphy to make this week.
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