Long-Awaited Comeback for Milwaukee's Star Pitcher
The Milwaukee Brewers have welcomed back a key piece of their pitching rotation with the return of Brandon Woodruff, a former Cy Young contender. After spending significant time on the injured list, Woodruff was reinstated from the 60-day IL on July 6, as announced by the Brewers' official roster moves. This marks a pivotal moment for the team and fantasy baseball managers alike, who have been eagerly awaiting his return to the mound.
Woodruff's journey back to the field has been closely followed by fans and analysts. His reinstatement comes after a period of recovery that saw him start the season on the 15-day IL, with the Brewers initially hopeful for a return by late May. Now, with his activation, the team has made corresponding moves, including optioning RHP Chad Patrick to Triple-A Nashville and transferring OF Garrett Mitchell to the 60-day IL.
Fantasy Baseball Impact and Waiver Wire Priority
For fantasy baseball enthusiasts, Woodruff's return is a major storyline. Analyst Tristan H. Cockcroft has highlighted Woodruff as a top waiver wire pickup, emphasizing his potential impact as a one-time Cy Young contender. Managers looking to bolster their pitching staff are urged to act quickly to claim him off the waiver wire before their league counterparts seize the opportunity.
The excitement around Woodruff isn't just about his past accolades but also his potential to deliver high-value performances in the remainder of the 2025 season. His track record as an ace for the Brewers suggests he could provide a significant boost to any fantasy roster, especially for those in need of strikeouts and quality starts. Cockcroft's analysis points to Woodruff's proven ability to dominate when healthy, making him a priority addition in all formats.
What Lies Ahead for Woodruff and the Brewers
As Woodruff steps back onto the mound, the Brewers are looking to leverage his skills to strengthen their standing in the competitive NL Central. His return could be a game-changer for a team that has relied on depth in his absence. While specific performance stats from this season are yet to be seen post-recovery, the anticipation is high for him to reclaim his spot as a cornerstone of the rotation.
For now, both the Brewers and fantasy managers will be monitoring Woodruff's initial outings closely. The hope is that he can avoid further setbacks and build on his impressive career numbers. As the season progresses, his ability to stay healthy and effective will be key to determining just how impactful this comeback can be for Milwaukee and those who roster him in fantasy leagues.