Brewers: 8 Takeaways From GM Matt Arnold's End Of Season Press Conference

Takeaway #5: Still no answer on Brandon Woodruff's injury

Brandon Woodruff has gone to seek a second opinion from a shoulder specialist on his capsular injury that ended his postseason before it could start. After missing most of the year with a sub-scapular injury, this second deep tissue shoulder injury is a concern for many.

There's no update on Woodruff's evaluation just yet but news on that will likely be coming soon. Whatever happens with Woodruff is going to impact how the Brewers approach the offseason. Arnold wouldn't commit to Woodruff being ready for Opening Day 2024 because they're still unsure of what the timetable from the second opinion is.

If Woodruff does need to miss time in 2024, that will impact the Brewers search for pitching depth in the offseason and certainly tank any of those trade discussions previously mentioned. The Brewers strength is in the starting rotation and losing Woodruff would massively hurt that strength.

Takeaway #6: Tyler Black is in consideration for early season promotion at corner infield spots

When asked about needs in the corner infield, Matt Arnold specifically mentioned Tyler Black as a possibility at either first base or third base, even early in the season in 2024. Black's name was not mentioned in the question and Arnold brought it up on his own, indicating how close Black is to contributing.

Black put up monster numbers this year across Double-A and Triple-A with a combined stat line of .284/.417/.513 with 25 doubles, 12 triples, 18 homers, 55 stolen bases, and a .903 OPS.

Black's arm strength has improved enough that he spent the majority of his time at third base, a question mark when he was drafted. If Black can stick at third base, that could solve what's been a major problem position for the Brewers over the last decade or so. Matt Arnold also mentioned Andruw Monasterio as a candidate to get a lot of playing time over at third base.