Brandon Woodruff announces he needs season-ending shoulder surgery

July 18, 2026 - 17:36

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff announced on July 18 that he will require season-ending shoulder surgery, effectively ending his 2024 campaign before it truly began. The two-time All-Star made the disclosure in a statement, confirming that the procedure is necessary to address ongoing issues with his throwing shoulder. Despite the setback, Woodruff was emphatic that this does not mark the end of his career.

"I am not retiring," Woodruff said. "My goal is to rehab, get healthy, and pitch again at the highest level."

The 31-year-old right-hander has been sidelined since early in spring training due to shoulder discomfort. He had been attempting a non-surgical recovery path, but recent evaluations revealed that the damage required surgical intervention. Woodruff did not specify the exact nature of the procedure or a timeline for his return, but typical recovery from major shoulder surgery can extend well beyond a full year.

Woodruff has been a cornerstone of the Brewers' rotation since 2019, posting a 3.10 ERA over 116 starts. He finished fifth in National League Cy Young Award voting in 2021 and was an All-Star in 2022. The Brewers declined his 2024 club option last November, making him a free agent, but he later re-signed with Milwaukee on a two-year, $17.5 million deal that included a player opt-out after this season.

Now, Woodruff faces a long road back. He acknowledged the difficulty but remained resolute. "This is just another hurdle," he said. "I've overcome them before, and I will again."