Brandon Woodruff Returns From Injury in Brewers' World Series Game 3 Win

The Milwaukee Brewers moved just one victory away from capturing their first World Series title in franchise history after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 10-1 in Game 3 on Monday night at Tropicana Field. The blowout victory featured a surprising and emotional return for veteran pitcher Brandon Woodruff, who made his first pitching appearance since July.

Holding a commanding 10-0 lead in the ninth inning, Brewers manager Pat Murphy opted to send athletic training staff member Bryn Hester down to the bullpen with a choice for the right-hander. Hester asked Woodruff if he preferred to wait to start Game 4 or pitch the final frame of Game 3. Woodruff responded immediately, stating he wanted the ball right away.

"I want it right now," Woodruff said. The decision set up a full-circle moment for the franchise's longest-tenured player, who originally made his Major League debut at Tropicana Field in 2017. As he entered the game, traveling Milwaukee fans erupted in cheers, creating an electric atmosphere on the road.

Although Woodruff yielded a run on a swinging bunt single and a double by Yandy Díaz that spoiled the team's shutout bid, he induced a ground ball to secure the final out of the contest. The appearance marked a remarkable milestone following a grueling multi-year battle with shoulder injuries.

Woodruff sustained a major shoulder injury in October 2023 that sidelined him for nearly two seasons, and subsequent setbacks during the 2024 and 2025 seasons limited his playing time. After experiencing further shoulder trouble on July 4 of this year, it was initially announced that he would require a second season-ending surgery and miss the remainder of the year.

However, follow-up medical scans later revealed unexpected natural healing, allowing Woodruff to avoid surgery and embark on a rapid throwing rehabilitation program coordinated with his surgeon, Dr. Keith Meister. The Brewers ultimately added him to their postseason roster with initial plans to utilize him as an opener.

Reflecting on his unexpected journey back to the mound, Woodruff acknowledged the intense adrenaline of pitching on baseball's biggest stage after months of uncertainty. "It didn’t go as planned at all, which is the beauty of this thing. I just started firing baseballs," he said.

With a 3-0 lead in the series, the Brewers now stand on the brink of a championship, giving Woodruff and his supporters an opportunity to complete a historic comeback tour.