Brewers’ ace Brandon Woodruff gives major update on shoulder recovery ahead of Spring Training

Milwaukee Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff sat down to talk to Adam McCalvy of the "Brewers Beat" newsletter on Tuesday, offering fans a major update on the progress of his recovery from a shoulder injury.

Woodruff, who underwent corrective surgery on his right shoulder in 2023, missed the entirety of the 2024 season. With spring training for 2025 approaching, the 31-year-old provided insight into his readiness for the upcoming season.

"I honestly can't answer that question, but I can tell you my mindset is to get ready for that,” Woodruff said. “I'm preparing to go and pitch, whether that's in New York (the Brewers play at Yankee Stadium for the opening series of their season), whether I'm on the back end of the rotation, who knows?"

Brandon Woodruff pitching against the Miami Marlins - Source: Getty

"But I’ve got to go out and prove it, which I love. Essentially, I'm on a one-year deal and I'm out to prove when I’m on the field that I can still do what I can do. So that's good for me. It gives me a good mindset going into this year, and I’ll just take it for what it is."

With ace Corbin Burnes joining the Baltimore Orioles and Woodruff sidelined for the 2024 season, Brewers fans were concerned heading into the year. However, Pat Murphy's team managed to pull through, ultimately dominating the NL Central and clinching the division title.

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Brandon Woodruff looks back at "miserable" time on the sidelines, looks forward to return

In the same conversation with McCalvy, Brandon Woodruff reflected on where he stood at this time in 2024, when he received the news that he would require shoulder surgery, forcing him to miss the season.

Fast forward to now, and Woodruff is nearing the end of his rehab, preparing for his highly anticipated return to the mound.

"At this time last year, I'm three and a half months out [from surgery], and that was miserable. Now, I know I’m technically still in rehab. I haven’t faced a hitter in 15 months. But gosh, I feel good." Woodruff said.

Brandon Woodruff celebrates a win against the Miami Marlins - Source: Getty

Though Woodruff could not provide a definitive timeline for his return, the veteran expressed excitement about the opportunity to prove his quality once again in the new season.