Brewers Woodruff Cubs Horton Out NLDS With Injuries

Milwaukee Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff is sidelined for the National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs due to a right lat strain sustained in late September, with his availability for the NL Championship Series or World Series still uncertain. Woodruff, who had a strong season before the injury, has not started throwing yet and is focused on day-to-day recovery, with his surgically repaired right shoulder reported to be fully healthy. Brewers manager Pat Murphy and GM Matt Arnold have expressed cautious optimism about Woodruff's potential return later in the postseason, though it is considered unlikely for the immediate rounds. Meanwhile, the Cubs will be without rookie pitcher Cade Horton, who is recovering from a rib fracture and also will not pitch in the NLDS. The series will begin with the Brewers starting All-Star Freddy Peralta, highlighting both teams' challenges with key pitchers on the injured list. Overall, both teams are managing significant pitching injuries as they prepare for the playoff series.