Veteran Brewers Pitcher Woodruff Focused on Fall, Not Opening Day

Brandon Woodruff, the longest-tenured Brewers pitcher, is taking a methodical approach to his spring training return as he aims to be healthy for the postseason.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Brandon Woodruff, the Milwaukee Brewers' longest-tenured pitcher, is making his spring training debut after recovering from shoulder surgery and a lat strain that ended his 2022 season early. Despite being the veteran leader of the Brewers' young pitching staff, Woodruff is not focused on making the Opening Day roster, but rather on being healthy and contributing in September and October. The 33-year-old right-hander threw two scoreless innings against the Angels on Saturday as he works to regain his form with secondary pitches like a cutter and sweeper.

Why it matters

Woodruff's experience and leadership are invaluable to the Brewers' young pitching staff, which features several pitchers with limited MLB service time. However, the team is taking a cautious approach with Woodruff's return to ensure he is fully healthy for the stretch run and playoffs, rather than rushing him back for Opening Day.

The details

Woodruff, who has over 8 years of MLB service time, is the Brewers' most seasoned starting pitcher. He is focused on building up his pitch arsenal and workload this spring, rather than making the Opening Day roster. Manager Pat Murphy said the team is in "constant conversation" with Woodruff about his timeline, with the goal of having him at full strength for the postseason. Woodruff threw 32 pitches in his spring debut, showing improved secondary offerings like a cutter and sweeper.

  • Woodruff joined the Brewers in St. Louis and strained his right hamstring warming up in 2017.
  • Woodruff made his MLB debut at Tampa Bay two months later in 2017.
  • Woodruff is set to surpass 8 years of MLB service time in April 2023.

The players

Brandon Woodruff

A 33-year-old right-handed starting pitcher and the longest-tenured player on the Brewers' roster, having joined the team in 2017.

Chad Patrick

A 27-year-old pitcher who is just beginning his MLB career with the Brewers and refers to Woodruff as "Unc" (short for uncle).

Pat Murphy

The manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, who is in "constant conversation" with Woodruff about his timeline for the start of the season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Chad Patrick, Brewers pitcher (mlb.com)

“Opening Day is a special day, but nobody is going to remember it after Opening Day. They're going to remember September and October. That's what I want to be a part of at the end of the year.”

— Brandon Woodruff (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Brewers will continue to monitor Woodruff's progress throughout spring training and determine the best timeline for him to return to the starting rotation, with the goal of having him healthy and contributing in the playoffs.

The takeaway

As the Brewers' longest-tenured pitcher, Woodruff's experience and leadership are invaluable to the team's young pitching staff. However, the Brewers are taking a patient approach with Woodruff's return, prioritizing his health and readiness for the postseason over rushing him back for Opening Day.