Brewers World Series roster: milwaukee brewers add brandon woodruff to world series roster october 22

milwaukee brewers add brandon woodruff to world series roster october 22

Larry Parkson Published:

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Milwaukee, WI – In a stunning move ahead of Game 1, the Milwaukee Brewers officially added right-handed pitcher Brandon Woodruff to their 26-man World Series roster on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The 33-year-old two-time All-Star’s inclusion marks a remarkable comeback, as he had not pitched in a game for three and a half months following a severe shoulder injury that initially appeared to be season-ending.

Woodruff, a pivotal figure and the longest-tenured player for the National League champions, replaces right-hander Chad Patrick on the 13-man pitching staff. This bold decision signals the Brewers’ intent to leverage all available talent as they face the Tampa Bay Rays in their first World Series appearance since 1982.

Woodruff’s Brewers World Series roster comeback

Brandon Woodruff’s return to the mound for baseball’s biggest stage is a testament to his determination and the Brewers’ medical staff. His season seemed over after he exited a July 4, 2026, outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks with an inflamed right shoulder.

Further examination on July 19 revealed another anterior shoulder capsule injury, leading to an announcement that season-ending surgery would be necessary. But in a surprising turn, that surgery was later canceled as Woodruff showed significant improvement.

Overcoming a challenging recovery timeline

Woodruff began a closely monitored throwing program in late August, slowly building strength. He progressed to throwing off a mound during the Brewers’ initial two postseason series, a critical step in his recovery process.

His biggest test came on Tuesday, October 20, when he faced live hitters for the first time, throwing 23 pitches. Reports indicated his fastball velocity averaged 90-92 mph, a significant improvement from the 87 mph he registered before his July injury.

Brewers take calculated risk with roster move

The decision to activate Brandon Woodruff carries an inherent risk for the Brewers. Major League Baseball rules prevent teams from replacing a player on their World Series roster if they suffer a setback or re-aggravate an injury.

Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold acknowledged the pitcher’s impact, describing Woodruff as “one of the most successful, dominant big-game pitchers I’ve ever been around.” The move underscores the organization’s faith in the veteran pitcher’s ability to contribute, even after an extended absence.

Woodruff himself expressed his singular focus on victory. “I care about one thing, and that’s winning,” he stated on Thursday, October 22. He also noted that everything had to align perfectly “just to even have a shot at getting to this point.”

A history of shoulder issues and resilience

Woodruff has battled significant shoulder injuries throughout his career, undergoing a similar capsule repair procedure in 2023 that sidelined him for nearly a year and a half. He also missed the entire 2024 season, returning in 2025.

His medical history includes ankle tendinitis in May 2025 and a cyst removal from his right shoulder joint in May 2026. Despite these challenges, Woodruff’s career ERA of 3.10 stands as the best in Brewers history for pitchers with at least 500 innings pitched.

World Series showdown: Brewers vs. Rays

The Milwaukee Brewers enter the World Series as the top team in Major League Baseball, having finished the regular season with an impressive 103-59 record. They swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in four games in the NLCS and defeated the San Diego Padres in four games in the NLDS, showcasing dominant form.

This marks Milwaukee’s first World Series appearance since 1982, and they are one of just five current MLB teams that have never secured a championship title. Their superior regular-season record grants them home-field advantage against the Tampa Bay Rays, who finished 98-64.

Key players on the Brewers’ World Series roster

The Brewers’ 26-man roster features a balance of pitching depth and offensive firepower. Their pitching staff is now bolstered by Woodruff’s presence, adding a veteran arm to critical late-game situations. The team hopes to make history by securing their first-ever World Series trophy.

  • Brandon Woodruff (RHP)
  • Jacob Misiorowski (RHP) (Game 1 starter)
  • Kyle Harrison
  • Shane Drohan
  • Antonio Senzatela
  • Trevor Megill
  • Abner Uribe
  • Aaron Ashby
  • Christian Yelich
  • Andrew Vaughn
  • Luis Lara
  • David Hamilton

For additional roster movements in the league, fans can look at Dallas Cowboys roster changes earlier this season.

World Series schedule and broadcast details

The 2026 World Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays officially kicks off on Friday, October 23, 2026. Game 1 is scheduled for American Family Field in Milwaukee, with first pitch set for 7:15 p.m. CT.

All games in the series will be broadcast nationally on FOX, with Spanish-language coverage available on FOX Deportes. Univision will also air Game 1 in Spanish, offering broader accessibility for viewers. Fans can stream the action via FOX One, FOXSports.com, and the FOX Sports App.

Series matchups and venues

The series will alternate between American Family Field in Milwaukee and Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Games 1, 2, 6, and 7 (if necessary) will be held in Milwaukee, while Games 3, 4, and 5 are slated for St. Petersburg. Travel days are scheduled for Sunday, October 25, and Thursday, October 29.

The Brewers will send Jacob Misiorowski to the mound for Game 1, while the Rays will counter with Nick Martinez. The opening ceremony for Game 1 includes ceremonial first pitches from Brewers legend Robin Yount and Commissioner Emeritus Allan H. (Bud) Selig. Singer-songwriter Mickey Guyton will perform the National Anthem, with a pregame concert by Violent Femmes.

The ongoing playoff landscape continues to evolve, as highlighted by unbeaten NFL teams eyeing Super Bowl LXI in another major sport.

Tampa Bay Rays’ World Series roster at a glance

The Rays have also finalized their 26-man roster, making one change by adding left-hander Garrett Cleavinger in place of Brody Hopkins. Tampa Bay opted for a configuration of 12 pitchers and 14 position players, slightly different from Milwaukee’s setup.

  • Nick Martinez (RHP) (Game 1 starter)
  • Garrett Cleavinger (LHP)
  • Bryan Baker
  • Cam Booser
  • Griffin Jax
  • Kevin Kelly
  • Steven Matz
  • Freddy Peralta
  • Logan Henderson (RHP) (potential starter)
  • Robert Gasser (LHP) (potential starter)
  • Richie Palacios
  • Ryan Vilade
  • Ben Williamson
  • Jorge Mateo

Meanwhile, injury news remains a constant in professional sports, with the Chiefs placing Josh Simmons on injured reserve just recently.