Milwaukee pitcher Brandon Woodruff isn’t ruling out possible World Series return if Brewers make it

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee pitcher Brandon Woodruff remains optimistic about the slim chance of returning from his shoulder injury in time to pitch in the World Series if the Brewers make it to the postseason. Two-time All-Star Woodruff had his last appearance on July 4 and wasn't part of the Brewers' roster for their NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres.

He revealed he wouldn't be ready for a potential NL Championship Series that kicks off next weekend, but he keeps hope alive for his first World Series appearance since 1982. "How many times do you get a chance to pitch in the World Series?" Woodruff remarked during a news conference. "Yeli has been playing a long time. This is my ninth year.

We’ve never gotten to do it. It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I understand the repercussions that could come with that. But I’m at a point where I’m OK with it." Woodruff had initially mentioned he would undergo anterior capsule surgery on his right shoulder in mid-July, but later found out his injury didn't require surgery, creating a remote possibility of his availability for the postseason.

"I’m progressing, getting to a point where I can get off the mound here pretty soon." Woodruff said, adding that his recent throwing progressions have been promising. The 33-year-old right-hander has spent his entire major league career with the Brewers and boasts a franchise-best ERA of 3.10 for pitchers with 500 or more innings.

His 3.10 ERA is the best for such pitchers in Milwaukee history. Despite his shoulder injury sidelining him from the 2023 playoffs and forcing him into anterior capsule surgery later that year, Woodruff returned to action in July 2025 after recovering from a lat strain. The 2025 season saw Woodruff pitch in nine starts, compiling a record of 2-2 with a 2.98 ERA.

His teammates praise his contributions beyond those numbers, with Game 2 starter Logan Henderson calling Woodruff an invaluable leader and the team's best pitcher at 92 mph.