Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Brewers' Brandon Woodruff Undergoes Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery

7/19/2026

31 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Woodruff Surgery

Brandon Woodruff will undergo right-shoulder capsule surgery, a procedure likely ending his 2026 season.
He entered the 15-day IL after a July 4 start, moved to the 60-day IL on July 12, and posted a 2-2 record with a 2.98 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 47 strikeouts.
Pat Murphy said the injury is a gut punch and returning will be tough for a Brewers team sitting 60-37 and leading the NL Central.

Summary

Woodruff Undergoes Surgery

Woodruff will undergo shoulder surgery as his third child is born.
He is shifting to a less angry fastball that emphasizes location and varied speeds.
Woodruff says his revamped pitching arsenal will enable success when he returns.
Manager Pat Murphy says Woodruff is mentoring younger pitchers during the postseason push.
Brewers officials are discussing a contract that could keep Woodruff after his free-agent year.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, Chicago Cubs right-hander Mark Prior required shoulder surgery after just 30 starts, echoing a pattern of mid-season pitcher injuries that force teams to reshuffle rosters. The Cubs’ attendance fell 12%, and the Atlanta Braves saw veteran John Smoltz undergo season-ending shoulder surgery on June 10 2008, a move that followed his earlier 55-save season in 2002 and prompted reliance on younger arms.

1 of 3

Woodruff Surgery

Brandon Woodruff will undergo right-shoulder capsule surgery, a procedure likely ending his 2026 season.
He entered the 15-day IL after a July 4 start, moved to the 60-day IL on July 12, and posted a 2-2 record with a 2.98 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 47 strikeouts.
Pat Murphy said the injury is a gut punch and returning will be tough for a Brewers team sitting 60-37 and leading the NL Central.

1 / 3