Woodruff Out for NLDS; Priester To Start Game 1

The Brewers announced right-hander Brandon Woodruff will not pitch in the NLDS against the Cubs because of a right lat strain; the injury is unrelated to his surgically repaired right shoulder. Club medical staff say the shoulder is healthy but Woodruff has not yet resumed throwing and was placed on the 15-day injured list in late September. Milwaukee will open the series without him and expects Quinn Priester to start Game 1, forcing a reconfiguration of the rotation. The team says it is not ruling out a return in the NLCS or World Series if Milwaukee advances, though manager Pat Murphy cautioned an NLCS comeback would be "a little early." Woodruff went 7-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 12 starts (roughly 63–64 innings) after returning from shoulder surgery and said he is focused on rehabbing and returning only when fully ready.