Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff doesn't need season-ending shoulder surgery, 2026 return possible
Woodruff hasn't pitched since July 4 and was on track to undergo surgery before new imaging showed it wouldn't be necessary.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff has been given the all-clear to return from a shoulder injury without undergoing season-ending surgery. The 33-year-old, who had been scheduled for the procedure this month, has been cleared after undergoing new imaging scans and consulting with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister. Instead of surgery, Woodruff will begin a five-week throwing progression and plyometric work as part of his rehabilitation.
Despite the positive news, it seems unlikely that Woodruff will return in time for the Brewers' postseason run. Manager Pat Murphy expressed a low possibility of a return but acknowledged the challenging road ahead for the nine-year veteran. Woodruff's absence from the mound has been a concern for the team, as he previously missed the entire 2024 season following the same surgery in 2023. The pitcher had to sit out the last month of the 2023 season and returned to action in July 2025.
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