Brandon Woodruff Placed on Injured List as Brewers Adjust Rotation

The Milwaukee Brewers placed Brandon Woodruff on the 15-day injured list on Friday because of right shoulder inflammation. The decision followed his early exit in the second inning of Thursday’s start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where his fastball velocity dropped to 85.4 mph, below his 92.5 mph season average. The club recalled Easton McGee from Triple-A Nashville to fill the roster spot.

ESPN

Woodruff, a two-time All-Star, underwent shoulder surgery in October 2023 after a 2023 season in which his fastball averaged 96 mph. He missed the entire 2024 season, returned, and posted a 7-2 record with a 3.20 ERA in 12 starts. He remained with Milwaukee after accepting a $22,025,000 qualifying offer to avoid free agency. This season, before his IL placement, he was 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA over six starts, striking out 25 and walking seven in 30 innings. In his Thursday start, none of his 21 pitches exceeded 86.9 mph.

ESPN

The Brewers’ rotation already lacked left-hander Quinn Priester, who remains on the wrist-injury rehab list. Woodruff’s IL placement means the team will be without him for the foreseeable future. Manager Pat Murphy was non-committal about the IL decision on Thursday, but the club recalled Easton McGee, who has provided a bullpen arm. The bullpen, after Shane Drohan’s four-inning relief in the Diamondbacks game, will be without Drohan for a couple of days. Relievers Coleman Crow, Robert Gasser and Logan Henderson from Triple-A Nashville are listed as options.

Brewers place Brandon Woodruff on IL with shoulder inflammation following Thursday’s early exit

Woodruff told reporters that the MRI showed no structural damage and that he expects the inflammation to subside with a short IL stint. He expressed confidence that his recovery would not be prolonged. The Brewers confirmed the IL move and noted that McGee’s recall provides an additional arm for the staff.

ESPN

In the 13-1 win over the Diamondbacks, Woodruff left after a 1-0 count on Nolan Arenado in the second inning. Shane Drohan entered, delivering four innings of relief before requiring a few days of rest. The Brewers subsequently placed Woodruff on the IL and recalled McGee.

ESPN

• "I got great news from the MRI." — Brandon Woodruff, Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers

ESPN

• "It's just proceed here and take the next steps, however long it is, but it shouldn't be too long." — Brandon Woodruff, Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers

ESPN

• "Typically I'm a slower starter when it comes to velo." — Brandon Woodruff, Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers

ESPN

• "Obviously my body told me here yesterday that I need to take a little time here to let this inflammation calm down." — Brandon Woodruff, Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers

ESPNBrewers place Brandon Woodruff on IL with shoulder inflammation following Thursday’s early exit

The Brewers will assess rotation options for Tuesday’s start, with McGee positioned as a possible starter. Woodruff’s return hinges on the resolution of his shoulder inflammation, which the team expects to address promptly.

ESPN