# 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.
- Title: Woodruff’s Brewers comeback clock is ticking | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: brandon woodruff, milwaukee brewers, adam mccalvy, mlb, anterior shoulder capsule injury, injured list, mound readiness, national league division series, national league championship series, world series, milwaukee, sports
- Source: Milwaukee Brewers On SI — https://si.com/mlb/brewers/onsi/brandon-woodruff-watch-takes-another-turn-for-brewers-pat3
- Published: 2026-09-15T19:09:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: brandon woodruff, milwaukee brewers, adam mccalvy, mlb, anterior shoulder capsule injury, injured list, mound readiness, national league division series, national league championship series, world series, milwaukee, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Woodruff avoiding surgery is the win, but a Brewers postseason return still needs a mound test, buildup time, and a long playoff run.