Brandon Woodruff’s career has been marked by steady growth, perseverance, and moments of brilliance on the mound. He attended Mississippi State University, where he played college baseball for the Bulldogs before being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2014. Woodruff spent a few years in the minor leagues, where he developed his pitching mechanics and honed his skill set, eventually earning a spot on the Brewers’ roster.
Pitching Style: Woodruff is known for his excellent command of a four-pitch arsenal. His fastball, often clocked between 93-97 mph, is the cornerstone of his game. He pairs this with a sharp slider, which he can throw in any count to keep batters off balance. His changeup and curveball round out his arsenal, with the changeup especially effective against right-handed hitters. His ability to mix pitches and command the strike zone makes him a versatile and dangerous pitcher.
2018 Postseason Heroics: One of the standout moments in Woodruff’s career came in the 2018 postseason. During the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Woodruff’s performance in Game 1 of the series solidified his place in Brewers’ lore. Not only did he pitch four strong innings as a starter, but he also came in as a relief pitcher, which was a testament to his versatility. His performance was crucial in the Brewers’ push to the NLCS, even though they ultimately lost in a hard-fought seven-game series.
2019 All-Star Appearance: Woodruff’s success continued to grow in the 2019 season when he earned his first MLB All-Star selection. That season, he posted a 3.62 ERA and finished with over 150 strikeouts, continuing to establish himself as a key part of the Brewers’ rotation. Woodruff showed resilience in the face of adversity, particularly after dealing with some injury setbacks.
Injury Challenges: While Woodruff has established himself as a top-tier pitcher, injuries have occasionally interrupted his career trajectory. In 2021, he faced a few injuries, but each time, he bounced back strong, further proving his determination. These injuries have prevented him from fully reaching his potential as one of the best pitchers in baseball, but when he’s healthy, Woodruff is capable of dominating on the mound.
Leadership and Intangibles: Aside from his pitching skills, Woodruff has earned respect for his leadership both on and off the field. His work ethic, humility, and determination are qualities that make him a respected figure in the Brewers’ clubhouse. As one of the team’s leaders, he helps set the tone for the pitching staff and is frequently looked to during key moments of the season.
Looking Ahead: Woodruff’s future in the MLB remains bright, especially as he continues to mature as a pitcher. His ability to consistently perform in high-pressure situations, along with his high strikeout rate and solid command of the strike zone, makes him one of the Brewers’ most valuable assets. As the Brewers continue to build for the future, Woodruff will likely remain at the forefront of their pitching staff, possibly leading them to more postseason appearances in the coming years.
Brandon Woodruff is a pitcher to watch as his career develops, and he has already made his mark in Milwaukee’s rich baseball history. His combination of skill, determination, and leadership makes him an exciting player for Brewers fans to rally behind.
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