When Brandon Woodruff, the 32‑year‑old right‑hander for the Milwaukee Brewers, was announced missing the 2025 National League Championship Series, the ripple effect was felt across the clubhouse.
The decision, confirmed on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, came from a moderate right latissimus dorsi strain that has kept Woodruff off the mound since his September 17 start against the Los Angeles Angels. The injury, diagnosed on September 21, landed him on the 15‑day injured list and ultimately knocked him out of both the NLDS and the NLCS.
How the injury unfolded
Woodruff’s last appearance was a textbook effort: five innings, one earned run, two hits, zero walks, and nine strikeouts in a 9‑2 win at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Statistically, that performance capped a solid season – 12 starts, 64.2 innings, a 3.20 ERA, a 32.3% strikeout rate, and a walk rate of just 5.4%.
But a sudden pull in his right lat on the seventh pitch sent him straight to the bullpen’s medical staff. The strain was classified as “moderate,” meaning a healing timeline of three to four weeks – time the Brewers simply didn’t have before the NLCS kicked off on October 20 at Dodger Stadium.
During an in‑person interview at American Family Field on October 12, Woodruff admitted he still hadn’t resumed throwing a baseball in a full motion. “I’m not ready to answer that question yet. I’ve been trying to get ready. Each day is better and better for me,” he said, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding any World Series cameo.
Roster shake‑up and immediate impact
The Brewers’ NLCS roster, filed with Brew Crew Ball on October 13, now leans heavily on its bullpen. With Woodruff out, the rotation loses its fourth‑best NL strikeout‑to‑walk ratio (5.98) and a veteran who could have eaten innings in a tight series against a 98‑win Dodgers club.
- Bud “the odds are stacked against him” – MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy
- Brewers payroll: Woodruff’s $10.5 million salary takes up a sizable chunk of a $140 million payroll.
- Dodgers’ ace Freddy Peralta (fictional placeholder) will face a thin Brewers rotation.
Manager Pat Murphy was forced to reshuffle starters, moving Corbin Burnes back into the rotation earlier than planned and leaning on relievers like Josh Hader for long‑out appearances.
Reactions from the key players
“Brandon’s a big part of our identity,” Murphy told reporters. “We wish him a speedy recovery, but we’ve got to adjust now.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts offered a polite nod: “We respect the Brewers’ situation. It’s a long series; depth matters for both clubs.”
Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, who broke the news, added, “The timing is ruthless. Woodruff’s not just a starter; he’s a leader on the mound, and his absence will be felt in the bullpen’s chemistry.”
Why this matters beyond the series
The Brewers are sitting on the fifth‑seed in the NL Central, but a deep postseason run could swing future free‑agent markets and signal whether Milwaukee can retain its core talent. Woodruff’s contract runs through 2025, and the $31.5 million extension he signed in 2022 is now a liability if his health continues to wobble.
Injuries have plagued Woodruff before: shoulder surgery in January 2024 cost him the entire 2024 season, and an ankle sprain in February 2025 delayed his 2025 debut until mid‑April. Those setbacks have sparked debates among analysts about the long‑term durability of high‑volume pitchers under today’s offseason conditioning regimens.
From a broader baseball perspective, the incident reignites conversation about MLB’s postseason roster rules. Official Baseball Rule 2.00 requires at least a 48‑hour activation window before a series begins – a rule that, while meant to protect player health, can leave teams scrambling when injuries strike close to the deadline.
Looking ahead: World Series odds and Woodruff’s timeline
If the Brewers manage to topple the Dodgers, they’ll head to the World Series on October 24. That gives Woodruff a narrow 12‑day window from “no catch” to potentially pitching in the Fall Classic. Medical staff estimate a realistic timeline of four to six weeks for a lat strain to return to competitive throwing, making a World Series cameo unlikely.
Still, baseball loves a comeback story. Even if Woodruff can’t start, the Brewers could stash him as an emergency reliever, a move that would tilt the odds slightly in Milwaukee’s favor – if only for the narrative boost.
Regardless of the outcome, the NLCS will proceed without one of its most reliable arms, and that void will be a case study for teams balancing depth and injury risk in future roster construction.
Key facts
- Player: Brandon Woodruff – right‑hander, 32, $10.5 M salary
- Injury: Moderate right latissimus dorsi strain (diagnosed Sep 21)
- Season stats: 3.20 ERA, 32.3% K%, 5.4% BB% in 12 starts
- Series: Out for NLCS (Oct 20‑27) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
- Potential return: Unlikely for World Series (Oct 24) given rehab timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Woodruff’s absence affect the Brewers’ pitching depth?
Losing Woodruff removes a starter who posted a 3.20 ERA and one of the NL’s best strikeout‑to‑walk ratios. The Brewers must rely more on relievers for long outings, stretching the bullpen and forcing manager Pat Murphy to adjust the rotation, which could fatigue other arms in a seven‑game series.
What is the likelihood Woodruff will pitch in the World Series?
Medical experts estimate a lat strain needs four to six weeks of progressive throwing before a pitcher can face live batters. With only 12 days between the NLCS finale and the World Series opener, the odds are slim; he might be listed as an emergency option but is unlikely to see game action.
Who will fill Woodruff’s spot in the Brewers’ rotation?
The Brewers are expected to promote Corbin Burnes back into the rotation earlier than planned and turn to veteran reliever Josh Hader for occasional starter‑type outings. Young arm Freddy Peralta may also see increased starts if the series extends.
What does this injury reveal about MLB’s postseason roster rules?
The 48‑hour activation rule, part of Official Baseball Rule 2.00, forces teams to make quick decisions when injuries occur just before a series. Woodruff’s case highlights how a late‑season strain can leave a club scrambling, prompting calls for more flexibility in roster eligibility.
Could Woodruff’s injury impact his contract status beyond 2025?
With $31.5 million already paid under his 2022 extension, repeated injuries raise questions about long‑term value. If the Brewers miss a deep playoff run, they may be reluctant to commit further money, potentially influencing free‑agency negotiations for 2026.
