Brewers option lefty reliever to Triple-A to open roster spot for Brandon Woodruff

Milwaukee Brewers fans already knew that veteran right-hander Brandon Woodruff was set to make his return to the rotation this evening in the team's series opener against the Cincinnati Reds, but it wasn't yet known who Big Woo would be replacing on the active roster.

It appeared likely that Woodruff would be replacing a relief pitcher on the Brewers' roster rather than a starter. Though not yet confirmed by the team, the assumption is that either Robert Gasser, who earned his first major league victory in more than two years yesterday afternoon, or Shane Drohan, who is scheduled to start Wednesday's series finale in Cincinnati, will join the bullpen before their subsequent turn in the rotation. Such a role change would push one of the Brewers' current relievers off the roster to make room for the returning Woodruff.

Just moments ago, the Brewers confirmed that this is the avenue they are taking, rostering, for at least a few days, six starting pitchers on their 26-man roster. The team announced that left-hander Drew Rom, who has been a member of the big-league bullpen since June 6, has been optioned to Triple-A to open a roster spot for Woody.

Brewers option left-hander Drew Rom to Triple-A to make room on the big-league roster for Brandon Woodruff

Rom, who the Brewers signed to a minor league deal back in mid-December, performed admirably in the Brewers' bullpen over the last two weeks. The southpaw covered 5.1 innings in four appearances and allowed just two earned runs. However, what was most encouraging about Rom's two-week stint in the big-league bullpen were the 10 strikeouts that he compiled in those 5.1 innings. Rom was by no means a big strikeout pitcher when he last appeared in the big leagues as a starter for the St. Louis Cardinals back in 2023.

However, aided by a significant uptick in his fastball velocity and more downward movement on his slider, Rom posted a 41.9% whiff rate in the small sample size in the Milwaukee's 'pen, which should have fans encouraged about what the 26-year-old southpaw can offer going forward. The Brewers have the luxury of being able to send Rom, who has two minor league option years remaining, down to Triple-A, but he could certainly be back with the big-league club before season's end.

Meanwhile, Rom's departure leaves the Brewers with just one left-handed reliever, Aaron Ashby, in their big-league 'pen. However, that will presumably change when Milwaukee elects to add either Gasser or Drohan to the bullpen in the coming days. Drohan, who was excellent in a relief role during the month of May, will likely be the team's choice, but Milwaukee may also elect to get creative with their pitching staff before the All-Star Break in three weeks' time.

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