Brandon Woodruff is on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, a situation that’s becoming all too familiar. The Milwaukee Brewers announced his placement, and Easton McGee has been called up in his place.
This news isn’t shocking but is still concerning. Woodruff has faced shoulder issues for several seasons. In 2023, he only pitched in 11 games before he needed surgery, forcing him to miss the entire 2024 season. After returning in summer 2025, he managed 12 starts but ended the year on the IL with a lat strain.
The Brewers’ management felt confident enough in Woodruff’s health to extend a qualifying offer of $22.025 million for 2026, which he accepted. This spring, he looked fit enough to start the new season. However, alarm bells rang during his last game when his pitching speed dropped significantly—from averaging around 92 mph to barely hitting 85 mph.
After being pulled from the game, Woodruff mentioned that he wasn’t in pain but felt his arm was fatigued. Initially, the team considered delaying his next start, but an MRI indicated a need to place him on the shelf for at least a couple of weeks.
This situation is growing increasingly worrisome. Woodruff hasn’t been fully healthy since 2022 and continues to struggle with shoulder problems.
With Woodruff sidelined, McGee adds depth to the bullpen. The Brewers need to decide how to fill his spot in the rotation soon. Jacob Misiorowski is set to pitch today, followed by Kyle Harrison and others in the coming games. By next week, the team will need to either implement a bullpen game or bring in another starter if Woodruff’s recovery takes longer.
Several players, including Shane Drohan and DL Hall, have been throwing multi-inning stints in the bullpen. They might step up for a spot start or help with a bullpen game. The Brewers also have potential options in the minors, including Logan Henderson and Robert Gasser, who could be called up if needed.
This ongoing struggle highlights the importance of athlete health in sports today. According to a recent survey by the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, shoulder injuries account for nearly 20% of all sports injuries, particularly in baseball. Keeping players healthy is crucial, not just for individual performance but also for the team’s success.
Woodruff’s situation serves as a reminder of the physical demands on athletes. Balancing competition with health is critical in today’s fast-paced sports landscape.
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