Brandon Woodruff's status for the Milwaukee Brewers' regular season opening weekend series against the Yankees may still be in question. While Pat Murphy's comments were skeptical, Woodruff spoke with the media earlier this week indicating that he was going to be a full participant in spring training. While no one can predict the future, especially when coming back from an injury like his, Brandon Woodruff hit a key milestone on Friday that can only be perceived positively.
Brandon Woodruff just faced lived hitters for the first time and it went quite well
For the first time in nearly a year and a half, Brandon Woodruff pitched from a mound and faced live batters. Brewers.com beat writer Adam McCalvy took video of Woodruff's final pitch, as he got a swing and a miss from Jake Bauers.
“Hell yeah, Woo!”
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) February 14, 2025
Brandon Woodruff faced hitters — William Contreras and Jake Bauers — for the first time since September 2023. Twenty-five pitches. High-fives and hugs afterward. pic.twitter.com/nx28BrTfjD
After the workout was complete, Woodruff spoke with the media at American Family Fields of Phoenix, saying, "... I felt good, I think it went a lot better than I expected to, which I kinda needed this." While he doesn't know if or when he will pitch in Cactus League games this spring, but that he felt good throwing and will take his time building up his surgically repaired shoulder. You can see all of Woodruff's comments below, courtesy of Todd Rosiak.
All smiles for Brandon Woodruff after his first mound action since Sept. 23, 2023. pic.twitter.com/avQ27Pomgg
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) February 14, 2025
"Big Woo" being back in the rotation is a massive boost for the Brewers. While Freddy Peralta will get the Opening Day nod, Woodruff has been one of the most steady pitchers for Milwaukee since he burst onto the scene back in 2017. He is a two-time All Star, most recently in 2021 when he logged 211 strikeouts, a 2.56 ERA, and held batters to a .200 average over 30 starts.
Time will tell if Woodruff will be able to return to that form. Coming back from shoulder surgeries is notoriously difficult for any pitcher and there are no guarantees here when it comes to Woodruff's ability to stay on the field going forward.. Still, it feels like if he even returns to even a fraction of what he was doing, the Brewers will be in wonderful shape for the 2025 season.