The Milwaukee Brewers have finally found some consistency in their starting rotation after enduring a challenging stretch filled with injuries. For weeks, the team struggled to keep a reliable group of starting pitchers healthy and effective. Now, however, they seem to have established a five-man unit that is producing solid results. At the forefront is ace Freddy Peralta, who has not only made every scheduled start but also leads Major League Baseball in total starts this season. His stellar performance includes an impressive 2.76 ERA, which places him among the top pitchers in the league.
Joining Peralta in the rotation are veteran left-hander Jose Quintana and three promising rookies: Chad Patrick, Quinn Priester, and Jacob Misiorowski. This youthful and somewhat unconventional group has given the Brewers a much-needed spark, keeping them competitive and in the hunt for a postseason berth. Despite their recent success, Milwaukee still has reinforcements coming, including a very familiar name — Brandon Woodruff.
Woodruff, a two-time All-Star and longtime fixture in the Brewers’ rotation, is nearing a long-awaited return. He missed nearly all of the 2023 season and the entirety of 2024 due to a significant shoulder injury. Optimism was high earlier in 2025 when it appeared Woodruff was finally set to rejoin the big-league club. However, a series of bizarre and unfortunate setbacks have kept him sidelined far longer than expected.
Initially, his comeback was derailed by a case of ankle tendonitis, which cropped up just before his final rehab start. After resting and rehabbing the ankle, Woodruff began the process once again, only to be struck on the elbow by a line drive during another rehab start in Nashville. Although the injury wasn’t serious, the swelling forced another delay as the team waited for it to subside before allowing him to resume throwing.
Now, there’s finally positive momentum. On June 23, 2025, the Brewers announced that Woodruff completed a 60-pitch simulated game successfully. The plan is for him to make one more rehab start in Nashville, this time aiming to throw approximately 80 pitches. If all goes well—and no additional freak accidents occur—Woodruff could be making his long-anticipated return to the Brewers’ roster shortly afterward.
What role Woodruff will play upon his return is still uncertain. Manager Pat Murphy has stated that the goal is for him to return to the starting rotation, though it remains to be seen whether that will happen immediately. Depending on how he looks and the team’s needs at the time, there’s a chance Woodruff could be eased back into action through the bullpen before reclaiming a full-time starter’s role.
Regardless of how he is utilized, Woodruff’s return is a welcome development for a Brewers team aiming to solidify its position in the playoff race. His presence adds depth, experience, and a high ceiling to an already resilient rotation.
