Woodruff’s Remarkable Comeback Journey
In a significant step towards his return to the major leagues, Brandon Woodruff, the 32-year-old right-hander for the Milwaukee Brewers, will face hitters for the first time in over a year. This milestone comes as Woodruff continues his recovery from a shoulder injury that kept him out of the 2024 season. Last seen on the mound on September 23, 2023, Woodruff’s journey to recovery has been marked by determination and a meticulous approach to rehabilitation. Woodruff, a two-time All-Star, underwent surgery in October 2023, and his absence from the field was keenly felt by the Brewers. Despite the setback, Woodruff remains optimistic and focused on his return. Brewers manager Pat Murphy has expressed confidence in Woodruff’s progress, noting that the pitcher is in a good spot and is eager to take this next step in his comeback.
A Year and a Half of Recovery
Woodruff’s road to recovery has been long and arduous. The last time he faced a batter was in a 5-4 loss to the Miami Marlins, where he allowed four runs over five innings. The Brewers announced just before their 2023 NL Wild Card Series loss to Arizona that Woodruff wouldn’t be available, signaling the beginning of his rehabilitation journey. The surgery in October was a critical juncture, and since then, Woodruff has been diligently working through a structured rehabilitation program. While he will be a full participant in spring training this year, it remains to be seen whether he will be ready for the regular season’s opening day on March 27. This cautious approach is not due to any lingering issues from the surgery or any setbacks during the rehab process. Instead, it is a strategic decision to ensure that Woodruff is fully prepared and in top form when he returns to the mound. “I’m healthy,” Woodruff stated. “I’m coming into camp healthy. I feel good. I just have to take different steps than everybody else. I haven’t had a setback. I’m not hurt. I’m just in a different spot. I’ve had surgery, but I’m coming into spring healthy, so I just have to take it slower than everybody else because I haven’t pitched in a year and a half.”
The Importance of Live Batting Practice
One of the most crucial steps in Woodruff’s recovery is his upcoming live batting practice session. Expected to throw around 20 pitches, this session will provide valuable feedback on his progress and readiness. The day or two following the session will be critical as Woodruff and the coaching staff assess how his arm recovers. This live practice is a significant milestone, as it simulates game conditions and allows Woodruff to gauge his command and effectiveness against real batters. “I think he’s in a good spot,” said manager Pat Murphy. “He just wants to face hitters.” This sentiment underscores the importance of live action in the rehabilitation process, as it provides a more realistic and challenging environment that helps pitchers refine their skills and build confidence.
DL Hall’s Setback and the Rotation Race
While Woodruff is set to take this next step, left-hander DL Hall faces a setback before the start of spring training. Hall sustained a lat strain, and as a result, he will be shut down for at least the first two weeks of camp. This injury is likely to remove Hall from contention for the opening day rotation, which is a significant blow given his potential as a front-runner for the fifth spot. Hall, who missed much of last season due to a knee injury, had been a strong candidate to join Freddy Peralta, Nestor Cortes, Tobias Myers, and Aaron Civale in the rotation. The Brewers will now have to look to other pitchers to fill this gap, with several candidates vying for the opportunity.
Aaron Ashby’s Opportunity and the Pitching Depth
Left-hander Aaron Ashby, who also missed much of last season with a shoulder injury, is now in a position to claim the final spot in the starting rotation. Ashby’s return adds valuable depth and experience to the Brewers’ pitching staff, and he will be closely evaluated during spring training. Additionally, the Brewers have added another candidate to the mix by signing veteran left-hander Tyler Alexander to a one-year contract. Alexander brings a wealth of experience and will provide further competition for the rotation spots. The signing of Alexander and the inclusion of Ashby in the rotation race highlight the Brewers’ commitment to building a strong and versatile pitching staff, capable of competing at the highest level.
A Season of High Hopes and New Challenges
As the Brewers prepare for the 2024 season, the team is poised to face a series of challenges and opportunities. With Freddy Peralta set to start the season opener against the Yankees, the rest of the rotation will be determined based on the performance of pitchers like Woodruff, Ashby, and Alexander during spring training. The cautious approach to Woodruff’s return and the inclusion of new faces in the rotation demonstrate the team’s commitment to both player health and competitive success. The Brewers’ strong pitching depth and the potential of their returning stars make them a formidable force in the National League. As the season approaches, the focus will be on building upon the team’s strengths and ensuring that every player is in the best possible position to contribute to a successful campaign.
