The Milwaukee Brewers received a significant boost Monday night when Brandon Woodruff returned from injury and immediately delivered the kind of outing their rotation had been missing.
Woodruff had been sidelined for nearly two months because of right shoulder inflammation, leaving Milwaukee waiting to see how sharp he would look once he rejoined the staff. The veteran right-hander erased much of that uncertainty in his first start back, throwing six scoreless innings in a 2-1, 10-inning win over the Cincinnati Reds.
The 33-year-old allowed only one hit, struck out 10 and retired the first 16 batters he faced. It gave Milwaukee more than a simple healthy appearance after weeks of waiting for his return. His command and pace gave the Brewers control of a tense series opener, even as Cincinnati starter Brady Singer kept Milwaukee’s offense quiet for much of the night.
ESPN Milwaukee posted Woodruff’s final line on X, formerly Twitter, after his return became one of Monday night’s most notable pitching performances.
“That was one heck of a return for Brandon Woodruff. #ThisIsMyCrew”
That was one heck of a return for Brandon Woodruff. #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/kf5nsjU2x9
— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) June 23, 2026
The outing offered an encouraging answer to the health questions surrounding Woodruff. Pitchers coming back from shoulder inflammation often need time to rebuild rhythm, feel, and confidence, but the righty looked composed from the first inning onward.
His work also helped protect the bullpen before a demanding stretch. Milwaukee will play 17 games over the next 17 days, making six efficient innings especially valuable beyond the final score.
For the Brewers, the victory mattered in the standings, but Woodruff’s form may prove just as important. A healthy version of him changes the look of the rotation and gives the club another trusted starter as the summer race intensifies.
Monday night was more than a return from the injured list. It was a reminder that the 33-year-old can still take over a game when the Brewers need stability most.
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