Brewers right hand Brandon Woodruff he was back with the club in the series against the Yankees after having fluid removed from his shoulder. He will play catch this weekend as he is set to return to the mound, reports Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
Woodruff’s progress is encouraging, given the way he looked in his recent outings. The veteran was removed after striking out six in his April 30 start against the Diamondbacks. His fastball was below 7 mph. Woodruff was immediately placed on the injured list with shoulder inflammation.
The 33-year-old Woodruff has dealt with shoulder and back injuries for the past three years. He missed all of 2024 due to shoulder surgery. Even before the exit against Arizona, Woodruff’s speed was slightly better than last season. He is several years removed from a mid-90s average with a heater.
Despite operating at a slower pace, Woodruff has been effective. He works with three fast balls these days, adding a cutter to his four seamers and sinker. The veteran is more versatile than ever. Woodruff posted a 3.20 ERA with a career-best 32.3% strikeout rate in a dozen starts last year. The hitting is down this season, but he has a solid 3.60 ERA through 30 innings.
Here are some from around the world…
- Brewers foreign player Brandon Lockridge appears to have survived a serious injury after hitting the wall Friday against the Yankees. He was carted off the field and required nine stitches to deal with a deep gash near his knee. Lockridge returned to the clubhouse on Saturday and is hoping to return after spending a little time in IL, according to McCalvey. Manager Pat Murphy was less optimistic, expecting the outfielder to miss at least a month. Blake Perkins called to take Lockridge’s place in the lineup.
- Red the third domain Eugenio Suarez took 50 swings Thursday as he worked his way back from a pitch, per FOX 19’s Charlie Goldsmith. The veteran has not pitched since April 22. Suarez had a rough start in his second game with Cincinnati, slashing .231/.300/.363 in 100 plate appearances. After matching a career high with 49 home runs in 2025, he left the yard just three times this year.
- And from Goldsmith, Red the right hand Rhett Lowder he does not face any structural damage to his shoulder. He received the injection and can throw the bull on Sunday. Lowder left after three innings Thursday against the Cubs. He has not been placed in IL yet. Cincinnati remained Nick Lodolo back on friday. He took the place of the right hand Chase Pettyscheduled to start at Triple-A on Sunday.
Photo courtesy of Benny Sieu, Imagn Images
