Throwing 85 mph, Brandon Woodruff leaves start in second inning

April 30, 2026 - 18:33

Milwaukee Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff was removed from his start on April 30 after just one inning of work, raising immediate concern about his health. The right-hander's fastball velocity was noticeably down, sitting at only 85 mph, a significant drop from his usual mid-90s range. Woodruff threw just 20 pitches before the Brewers' training staff and manager Pat Murphy came to the mound and decided to take him out of the game.

The team later announced that Woodruff was dealing with a right shoulder issue, though no further details were provided immediately after the game. The 32-year-old had been making his way back from a previous shoulder injury that kept him out for most of the 2024 season. He had looked sharp in his first few starts this year, but the sudden velocity loss on Tuesday was a troubling sign.

Woodruff is a key part of Milwaukee's rotation when healthy. He has been an All-Star and a consistent strikeout pitcher for the Brewers over the years. The team will likely update his status after further evaluation. For now, fans and the organization are holding their breath, hoping this is not a serious setback. The Brewers bullpen had to cover the remaining eight innings in what turned into a long day for the pitching staff.