Woodruff likely out for all of 2024 after surgery

*Photo from Brew Crew Ball*

   Milwaukee just got dealt a major blow. Milwaukee Brewers RHP Brandon Woodruff is expected to miss most of, if not all of the 2024 season after undergoing shoulder surgery, the Brewers announced on Friday.

   Before the wild card round against the Arizona Diamondbacks, it was announced that Woodruff wouldn't be on the roster due to an injury. He missed almost 4 months due to a subscapular strain in his shoulder, and he underwent surgery to repair the anterior capsule in his shoulder.

   Due to the injury Woodruff sustained during the season, he was severely limited in how much he could play. He posted a 2.28 ERA, 0.821 WHIP, and 3.60 FIP over 67 innings and 11 starts for the Brewers, including one complete game shutout.

   Milwaukee GM Matt Arnold said in a statement that "Brandon is not only one of the best pitchers in our franchise’s history, but is also a valued member of our organization off the field. He and his wife, Jonie, have gone above and beyond here in the community. Brandon's health is our top priority at this point in time."

   The 2024 season was set to be a pivotal one for Woodruff and the Brewers. He is entering the last year of arbitration eligibility and is eligible for free agency at the end of the 2024 season. If he misses all of 2024, he might have thrown his last pitch for the Brewers.

   Another option the Brewers have is to non tender Woodruff, which would allow him to hit free agency this offseason. The Brewers would be responsible for Woodruff's medical care costs if he is non tendered until he signs with another team or re-signs with the Brewers.

   Woodruff has spent all 7 of his years in the majors with the Brewers, who drafted him in 2014 out of Mississippi State University. He has accumulated a 3.10 ERA, 3.19 FIP, and 1.045 WHIP, throwing two complete games, one of which was a shutout, in 115 starts, 15 relief appearances, and 680 1/3 innings. He has a 3.18 ERA and 0.847 WHIP in 8 appearances and 28 1/3 innings in the postseason.

   Entering 2024, the Brewers currently have Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, and Willy Adames, 3 of their best players, entering their last year under contract before being eligible for free agency.