Nick Pivetta Brewers News: Brandon woodruff enjoys baby steps in his pitching speed after Impressive 94mph in return against san diego says he’s still got a lot of hurdles to get over’

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff took a significant step in his recovery, flashing impressive velocity in his return against the San Diego Padres. The two-time All-Star, who has been working his way back from a serious shoulder injury, hit 94 mph on the radar gun—a promising sign for both Woodruff and the Brewers. However, the right-hander remains cautious, acknowledging that he still has a long way to go before he’s fully back to his dominant form.

 

 

Woodruff, 31, missed most of the 2023 season after undergoing surgery to repair his shoulder. His absence was a major blow to the Brewers’ rotation, as he has long been one of the team’s most reliable arms. His return to the mound this week, even in a limited capacity, was a major milestone in his recovery process.

After his outing against the Padres, Woodruff admitted he was pleased with how his arm responded but emphasized that he’s not in peak form yet.

“It felt great to be back out there, but I’ve still got a lot of hurdles to get over,” Woodruff told reporters. “The velocity is coming back slowly, and today was a good sign. But the key is how my arm feels in the next few days.”

Milwaukee is taking a cautious approach with Woodruff’s return, understanding that pushing him too quickly could jeopardize his long-term health. With the Brewers expected to be in the mix for an NL Central title, having Woodruff available for the stretch run is a priority.

 

 

 

Manager Pat Murphy spoke about the team’s plan for Woodruff, stating that they will monitor his workload carefully.

“Brandon is a competitor, and we all know what he means to this team,” Murphy said. “But we’re going to make sure we do this the right way. Today was a great first step.”

The Brewers have already made moves to reinforce their pitching staff this offseason, including acquiring Nick Pivetta, who is expected to play a key role in the rotation. If Woodruff can return to form, Milwaukee could have one of the strongest starting staffs in the National League.

For now, Woodruff and the Brewers are focused on taking it one step at a time. His 94 mph fastball was an encouraging sign—but as he said, there are still plenty of hurdles to clear before he’s back to dominating on the mound.