Brewers to face multiple difficult roster decisions upon Brandon Woodruff’s return

The Milwaukee Brewers are on the brink of a much-anticipated return. Right-hander Brandon Woodruff is set to make his first major league start since September 2023 this Sunday, July 6th, against the Miami Marlins. For a team with a legitimate shot at postseason baseball, getting Woodruff back could feel close to a midseason trade acquisition — one with All-Star upside. But while the return of their ace is a boost, it also presents a roster conundrum the front office can’t ignore.

Woodruff’s journey back to the mound has been anything but smooth. After undergoing shoulder surgery in October 2023, the two-time All-Star encountered setbacks during his rehab assignments, battling through ankle and elbow issues that further delayed his return. Now, nearly 22 months removed from his last MLB outing, Woodruff is ready to resume his role as a top-of-the-rotation arm.

In 2023, Woodruff posted a dominant 5-1 record with a 2.28 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 64 innings before hitting the injured list in late September. But it’s also fair to temper expectations. Expecting him to immediately reclaim that form after such a prolonged layoff would be unrealistic, at least in the short term. Still, even a 75 percent version of Woodruff is better than most mid-rotation arms across baseball. His return gives Milwaukee a dynamic 1-2 punch alongside Freddy Peralta.

Brewers must make difficult cut as Woodruff nears return

But adding Woodruff back into the mix isn’t as simple as handing him the ball every fifth day. The Brewers will need to make two critical decisions: who eventually exits the rotation to make room, and who loses their 40-man roster spot to activate him.

Rotation-wise, the Brewers may opt to run a six-man rotation for a short stretch to ease Brandon Woodruff back into action. But eventually, a decision will need to be made — likely coming down to Quinn Priester, Chad Patrick, or even Jacob Misiorowski if he struggles. All three have been reliable in their roles, though none have fully locked down a long-term spot in the rotation. It’s a tough call to make, but signs point towards Patrick. Meanwhile, the more complicated issue lies with the 40-man roster — specifically looking at Easton McGee.

McGee, 27, has battled his way back from a career-altering injury. After impressing with a brilliant 6.2 shutout innings in a spot start for the Mariners in April 2023, McGee’s season was derailed by a UCL injury that required Tommy John surgery. He was later claimed off waivers by the Brewers and quietly worked his way back into game shape. Now, after just three appearances this season — allowing two runs over five innings with a 3.60 ERA — he’s done enough to show flashes of promise, if not a full return to form.

Yet despite that resilience, McGee appears to be the odd man out. With limited flexibility elsewhere on the roster, a DFA feels like the likeliest outcome. It’s an unfortunate possibility for a player who’s overcome so much just to get back on a mound. But such is the nature of roster construction in baseball — cold, calculated, and sometimes unfair.

For the Brewers, the next 72 hours will demand tough choices. Brandon Woodruff’s return is a storyline to celebrate, but it will come at a cost.