Brandon Woodruff Embraces Veteran Role on Young Brewers Pitching Staff

The 10-year MLB veteran is mentoring a group of inexperienced pitchers as the 'Unc' of the Brewers' rotation.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Brandon Woodruff, a 10-year MLB veteran, is embracing his role as the senior member of the Milwaukee Brewers' pitching staff. Woodruff, who is affectionately called the 'Unc' (short for uncle) by his younger teammates, is using his experience to mentor a group of inexperienced pitchers on the Brewers' roster. Despite being known for his smack talk, Woodruff is focused on leading by example and helping the younger pitchers develop their routines and preparation.

Why it matters

With several young and inexperienced pitchers on the Brewers' roster, Woodruff's veteran presence and leadership will be crucial in helping the team navigate the upcoming season. As the most seasoned member of the starting rotation, Woodruff can provide valuable guidance and insight to his younger teammates, which could pay dividends as the Brewers aim to make a postseason run.

The details

Woodruff, who is entering his 10th season in the majors, is the senior member of the Brewers' starting rotation, with the rest of the projected opening day starters having a combined three years and 14 days of major league experience. Woodruff's teammates have taken to calling him the 'Unc,' an affectionate term for an older male mentor. Despite his veteran status, Woodruff is still known for his smack talk, but he uses it to help his younger teammates develop and grow. Woodruff's focus is on being consistent in his preparation and approach, which he hopes will rub off on the younger pitchers.

  • Woodruff made his Cactus League debut on March 7, 2026 against the Los Angeles Angels.
  • Woodruff is scheduled to make two more starts in Cactus League play before the Brewers decide if he will start on Opening Day on March 26, 2026.

The players

Brandon Woodruff

A 10-year MLB veteran and the senior member of the Milwaukee Brewers' starting rotation.

Chad Patrick

A young pitcher on the Brewers' roster who has embraced Woodruff's mentorship.

Jacob Misiorowski

Another young pitcher on the Brewers' roster who has learned from Woodruff's consistent preparation and approach.

Pat Murphy

The manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.

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What they’re saying

“He's the 'Unc' that everyone looks up to.”

— Jacob Misiorowski

“You just watch him and he's very precise. It's exactly what he wants and it's at this exact time. Regimented would be a better word. It's really cool to watch and see how much thought goes into every single throw, every single warm-up.”

— Jacob Misiorowski

“He leads by example. He's very authentic. He's very real. People respect him when they watch him. They see the way he goes about it and how he treats people.”

— Pat Murphy, Manager

“I'm grateful to be able, any one of us, to be able to pick his brain apart and take the crap he gives me and try to give it back. But it doesn't go over well.”

— Chad Patrick

“I probably give them a lot of crap in the meantime, but it's all from a good place.”

— Brandon Woodruff

What’s next

The Brewers are taking their time deciding if Woodruff will start on Opening Day on March 26, 2026, as he continues to ramp up in Cactus League play.

The takeaway

Woodruff's veteran leadership and mentorship of the Brewers' young pitching staff will be crucial for the team's success this season. His ability to lead by example and provide guidance to his younger teammates could pay dividends as the Brewers aim to return to the postseason.