Brandon Woodruff Shines in Strong Return, Brewers Defeat Marlins 3-1

Brandon Woodruff returned to the mound for the Brewers, allowing one run in six innings after extensive injury recovery on July 6, 2025.
Brandon Woodruff returned to the mound for the Brewers, allowing one run in six innings after extensive injury recovery on July 6, 2025. (Symbolbild/MF)

Casselberry, USA - Brandon Woodruff made a spectacular return to the mound on July 6, 2025, pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers against the Miami Marlins. After an agonizing absence since September 23, 2023, Woodruff led the Brewers to a 3-1 victory. His performance was nothing short of impressive, allowing just one run and two hits over six innings while recording eight strikeouts. This game marked not only a return but also a testament to his enduring talent and resilience.

Back in September 2023, Woodruff underwent surgery on his right shoulder, which had sidelined him for all of 2024. Initially, he had hoped to recover in time to contribute during the season, but complications arose—including tendinitis in his right ankle and a troublesome bruise from a line drive to his elbow during a minor league rehab start. He lessened his appearance to minor league outings and finally made his striking comeback 652 days later, showcasing his determination and skill.

Rehab Journey and Challenges

The path back was not straightforward for the right-hander. After missing the entire 2024 season, he resumed pitching in Spring Training and embarked on a rehab assignment starting April 12, 2025. Woodruff faced a setback when he injured his right ankle just before a scheduled start on May 11 and subsequently had to reset his rehabilitation timeline. He began a new rehab assignment on May 21, hoping for a return to the major leagues by June 9, a plan that ultimately stretched longer than anticipated.

During his rehab, a line drive struck Woodruff’s elbow, an incident that caused initial anxiety among fans and teammates alike. Fortunately, initial X-rays were negative, and the Brewers remained optimistic about his swift return to the big leagues. They were eager to reintegrate Woodruff into a rotation that had managed without him and fellow ace Corbin Burnes, featuring Freddy Peralta and newcomers like Aaron Civale and Nestor Cortes.

Returning to Form

Against the Marlins, Woodruff delivered a stunning first pitch—a fastball clocked at 91.1 mph—which set the tone for the game. He had an immaculate start, allowing no hits or walks during the first two innings. It wasn’t until the third inning that Miami’s Heriberto Hernández landed a hit, which was soon followed by a solo home run off Woodruff in the fifth inning. Nevertheless, Woodruff’s overall performance was a victory, showcasing his capability as he racked up 70 pitches with a remarkable 53 strikes, reaching 96 mph at one point.

Meanwhile, his teammate Jackson Chourio became the star of the day, smashing a two-run home run in the third inning and adding an RBI single in the eighth, thus driving in all three runs for the Brewers. With this solid outing, the Brewers improved their season record to 50-40, now just 3.5 games out of first place in the National League Central. Such performances reflect the spirit and tenacity of the team as they continue to aim high post-woodruff’s return.

Looking Ahead

Woodruff’s journey has certainly been fraught with challenges, but there’s something to be said for his resilience. With a career record now standing at 47-26 and a strikeout average of 10.44 per nine innings, he is poised to provide a critical boost to the Brewers‘ rotation as the season progresses. His recovery has been closely watched, with fans hopeful that he can help return the Brewers to playoff contention. As the 2025 season rolls on, all eyes will be on Woodruff, eager to see him back at full strength. The Brewers have shown they can withstand a shake-up, but with a healthy Woodruff back in the fold, they could be back in the hunt for the postseason.

Regardless of the ups and downs, this comeback reflects the spirit of baseball: it’s never just about the wins and losses but the stories and journeys of the players. Woodruff’s resilience may just be the key to refreshing the Brewers‘ hopes this season.

For more on Woodruff’s journey and performance, you can read further at Yahoo Sports, MLB.com, and ClutchPoints.

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Ort Casselberry, USA
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