Brewers' Brandon Woodruff Nears MLB Return After Rehab Starts

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff is nearing a return from injury after undergoing shoulder surgery in 2023 and dealing with a recent ankle tendinitis setback. Woodruff has completed multiple rehab starts in Triple-A Nashville, pitching effectively, including a four-inning, scoreless outing where he threw 59 pitches. Brewers manager Pat Murphy indicated Woodruff likely has one or two more rehab starts remaining before he can rejoin the major league rotation, with a potential return in early June if no further setbacks occur. Woodruff's return is highly anticipated as the Brewers have been managing without several key starters, including Nestor Cortes, who is still weeks away from returning. The Brewers currently sit just below .500 despite missing these pitchers, but Woodruff’s comeback is expected to strengthen their pitching staff significantly. The team has been cautious with Woodruff’s recovery given the severity of his shoulder injury, aiming to ensure he is fully ready before rejoining the rotation.