Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Saturday that four-week follow-up imaging revealed unexpected healing in Woodruff’s right anterior shoulder capsule, leading Dr. Keith Meister to recommend against the planned surgery.
- Woodruff will begin a five-week throwing progression on Wednesday, Aug. 26, after which the Brewers will re-evaluate his arm and decide on next steps for any 2026 return.
- Manager Pat Murphy called a return this season a “low possibility” and stressed that the team will prioritize caution as Woodruff progresses through his rehab.
- Avoiding the planned operation removes a likely season-ending procedure and shortens the path back to pitching, but the club says postseason availability remains uncertain and any return could start in a limited relief role.
- Woodruff’s history of a 2023 anterior-capsule surgery that cost him 2024 makes this medical reversal significant for his career outlook and gives Milwaukee flexibility to manage his workload while protecting long-term health.