MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers secured their fourth consecutive National League Central crown with a 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, but the celebration carries a lingering question mark: Will Brandon Woodruff be available for the postseason?
Woodruff, 33, has been limited to nine starts in 2026 because of a shoulder injury and remains on the 60-day injured list. He last pitched on July 4 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix. According to MLB.com, the possibility of him returning this season is low, though the right-hander has not abandoned his rehab efforts.
Rehab Progress and Evaluation Timeline
Woodruff has extended his throwing distance to 105 feet, a sign of gradual progress. He is scheduled for an evaluation at the end of September to determine whether he can return to the mound. That evaluation will be a critical checkpoint, but it does not guarantee a postseason role.
MLB.com reported that Woodruff’s return in 2026 is considered a low possibility, and there is no clear indication that he will be back. Still, the veteran continues to work toward a comeback, aiming to contribute if the team makes a deep October run.
Brewers' Postseason Outlook
Milwaukee’s focus now shifts to the postseason, where the club hopes to enter at full strength. Woodruff’s absence has been a significant blow to the rotation, but the team has managed to clinch the division without him.
Manager Pat Murphy has kept the clubhouse steady. Earlier this season, on May 19 at Wrigley Field, Murphy commented that the 2026 club was starting to grow on him. That sentiment has only strengthened as the Brewers secured another division title.
Infielder Joey Ortiz shared clubhouse advice that helped keep the team motivated, while rookie Jacob Misiorowski, who delivered a scoreless start on the clinching night, admitted it wasn’t his best stuff. Those contributions have helped fill the void left by Woodruff’s injury.
What's Next for Woodruff?
Woodruff’s future remains uncertain. He is not giving up on returning, and the upcoming evaluation will provide more clarity. If he is cleared to return to the mound, he could be an option out of the bullpen or in a limited starting role, depending on how he responds.
For now, the Brewers will continue their preparations without knowing whether their veteran right-hander will be available. The team is hopeful but realistic, understanding that a shoulder injury of this nature requires careful management.
As Milwaukee awaits word on Woodruff, the focus remains on the postseason. The Brewers have proven they can win without him, but adding a pitcher of his caliber would be a significant boost. Whether that happens in 2026 is still up in the air.
