Overview
- Brewers manager Pat Murphy confirmed that Woodruff will return to the starting rotation during the Reds series that begins Monday, with Woodruff scheduled to start the opener.
- Woodruff was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 1 with shoulder inflammation after six starts this season in which he posted a 3.60 ERA over 30 innings.
- He completed a controlled rehab progression that included a High-A outing on June 16 and two minor-league rehab starts, and he said he feels ready to compete despite a dip in velocity.
- The immediate roster effect is likely to be displacement of Robert Gasser from the rotation as Milwaukee slots Woodruff back into a five-man group that has been tested by injuries.
- The move comes as the Brewers hold a big divisional lead but manage multiple pitching injuries, while nearby NL Central clubs are also pursuing cautious rehab plans for players such as Daniel Palencia, Elly De La Cruz, and Pierce Johnson.