Milwaukee Brewers’ ace pitcher, Brandon Woodruff, is slowly but surely making his way back to the mound after a long and challenging road to recovery. The right-hander underwent shoulder surgery in October 2023, effectively sidelining him for the entire 2024 season. But as 2025 spring training begins, Woodruff is offering fans a glimpse into his progress and a few honest reflections on his journey back.
The Road to Recovery
After having surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his right shoulder, Woodruff faced a lengthy rehabilitation process. Despite the setback, the 30-year-old remained focused on returning to form and helping the Brewers in the upcoming season. On February 14, 2025, Woodruff took an important step in his recovery by facing live hitters for the first time since his surgery.
In a session that saw him throw 20 pitches, Woodruff admitted to feeling “nervous, jittery” ahead of the workout, but he was pleased with the results. “I think it went a lot better than I expected it to,” he said. His honest admission reflected both his anxiety and his optimism for what’s to come.
Facing Adversity Head-On
Woodruff’s emotional reaction to stepping back on the mound for the first time in over a year highlights the mental and physical challenges that come with recovering from such a significant injury. His honesty about the nerves he felt shows just how much the game means to him, and how much he’s fought to regain his place on the team.
“I needed to face hitters… an all-star steps in the box, first hitter you’ve seen in a year and a half, you can’t help but get a little adrenaline going,” Woodruff explained. It was clear that he relished the opportunity to pitch in a game-like environment again and felt the rush that comes with facing live competition.
Cautious Optimism from the Brewers
While Woodruff’s performance in live batting practice was a promising step forward, Brewers’ manager Pat Murphy has taken a cautious approach regarding Woodruff’s readiness for the 2025 season opener. The Brewers are hopeful, but Murphy noted that Woodruff may not be fully prepared to take the mound on March 27, 2025, for the team’s first game of the season. This cautious optimism reflects the need to manage Woodruff’s return with care, ensuring he’s fully recovered before being thrown into the intensity of a full MLB schedule.
A Strong Return for the Brewers
As the Brewers continue their spring training sessions, the team remains hopeful that Woodruff will be able to make a significant contribution in 2025. His return to form would be a huge boost to a Brewers pitching staff already led by Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta.
Fans of the team will be watching closely as Woodruff’s recovery continues, with the hope that he can recapture his All-Star form and help push the Brewers back into playoff contention.
Looking to the Future
Brandon Woodruff’s determination and commitment to returning to his best are clear, and his recovery will be one of the key storylines for the Brewers in 2025. While the team is taking a measured approach to his return, there’s no doubt that Woodruff’s presence on the mound would be a game-changer for the Brewers this season.
As spring training unfolds, all eyes will be on Woodruff to see how he continues to progress, and whether or not he’ll be able to make his long-awaited return to the Brewers’ starting rotation in time for the new season.
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