From Milwaukee Brewers On SI · · 1m 40s
Woodruff’s Brewers comeback clock is ticking
Brandon Woodruff is throwing again, but a 2026 return may depend on how deep Milwaukee plays into October.
In brief
Brandon Woodruff is throwing again, but a 2026 return may depend on how deep Milwaukee plays into October. Woodruff avoiding surgery is the win, but a Brewers postseason return still needs a mound test, buildup time, and a long playoff run. Originally reported by Milwaukee Brewers On SI.
A scary setback
Woodruff went on the injured list in July with an anterior shoulder capsule injury, the same kind of shoulder trouble that wiped out his 2024 season.
Surgery looked likely
The first fear was another operation. That would have all but ended any realistic chance of Woodruff helping Milwaukee in 2026.
Then came hope
In August, Woodruff said surgery was not needed. That changed his outlook from lost season to possible late-year return.
“surgery wasn't needed”
Throwing from distance
Adam McCalvy reported that Woodruff is throwing out to 105 feet, with the Brewers planning to check his mound readiness near the end of September.
“He’s throwing out to 105 feet.”
The mound comes next
Long toss is only one step. Woodruff still has to get back on a mound, build arm strength, and prove he can handle game-level work.
October squeezes the timeline
The MLB playoffs begin Sept. 29. Milwaukee is positioned for a bye, which could buy Woodruff a few extra days before the NLDS starts Oct. 3.
Deep run required
Even if the late-September check goes well, Woodruff would need more runway. A return likely depends on Milwaukee reaching the NLCS or World Series.
A storybook possibility
The dream is Woodruff returning for the biggest games of a Brewers playoff push. The reality is that several medical and baseball steps still have to line up.
The takeaway
Woodruff avoiding surgery is the win, but a Brewers postseason return still needs a mound test, buildup time, and a long playoff run.
