Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff will bypass a second shoulder surgery following recent medical evaluations. Instead of going under the knife, the 33-year-old veteran will begin a rehabilitation program centered on throwing and plyometrics .
The shadow of the 2023 anterior capsule repair
Brandon Woodruff’s current medical situation is deeply tied to his previous struggles with shoulder stability. The report notes that the pitcher previously underwent surgery to repair his anterior capsule in 2023, a setback that led to him missing the entire 2024 season.
The 33-year-old veteran's attempt to return to form has been inconsistent. According to the report, Woodruff made 12 starts upon his return, posting a 3.20 ERA and 83 strikeouts over 64 2/3 innings, but the physical toll of his previous injuries remains a looming concern for the Milwaukee franchise.
Dr. Keith Meister's pivot to a five-week throwing progression
Medical experts have opted for a conservative approach to Woodruff's recovery after reviewing new diagnostic data.. Following four-week imaging scans and a consultation with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister, the decision was made to avoid a second surgical procedure this month.
Woodruff's new recvoery path focuses on physical conditioning rather than invasive intervention. He is now scheduled to begin a five-week throwing progression alongside continued plyometric work to rebuild his strength .
Pat Murphy's "uphill climb" for the Brewers' postseason
The Milwaukee Brewers' championship aspirations face a significant hurdle as the team prepares for the upcoming postseason. While manager Pat Murphy expressed hope for a potential return, he acknowledged the immense difficulty of the timeline.
As the report indicates, Woodruff is still considered unlikely to return to the mound for the current playoff run. Murphy emphasized the need to balance the desire for his ace's return with the "reality" of the recovery process and the risks involved in a rapid comeback.
The mystery of the missing 7 mph on Woodruff's fastball
A major unanswered question remains regarding whether Brandon Woodruff can ever reclaim his peak velocity. Recent performance metrics show a concerning trend in his arm strength,specifically a drop in his fastball from an average of 92.5 mph to as low as 85.4 mph.
Beyond the fastball, Woodruff's secondary pitches have also seen significant declines. The report highlights that his changeup dropped from 82.9 mph to 76.6 mph during recent appearances, leaving fans and analysts to wonder if the shoulder damage has permanently altered his mechanics.
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