MIAMI (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers pitcher struck out eight and threw two-hit ball through six innings against Miami on Sunday in his first start in the majors since the 2023 season.
The two-time All-Star was activated off the injured list before the game. He hadn’t pitched in the big leagues since having shoulder surgery after the 2023 season. He is 46-26 with a 3.10 ERA in 115 career starts and 15 relief appearances.
Woodruff struck out the side in the first inning and was lifted after six innings and throwing 53 of his 70 pitches for strikes. Both of the hits he allowed were by Marlins left fielder Heriberto Hernandez, who singled in the third and had a solo homer in the fifth.
Woodruff’s return was a long time coming.
He left his first rehab stint this season with tendinitis in his right ankle. He was pitching for Triple-A Nashville on June 3 when a struck him in the right elbow, leaving a bruise that delayed his return.
The 32-year-old right-hander was back on the mound last Sunday for Nashville. He allowed four runs, four hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings against Jacksonville. He threw 53 of 82 pitches for strikes.
In other moves by the Brewers before the finale of the three-game series against Miami, right-hander Chad Patrick was optioned to Triple-A and outfielder Garrett Mitchell (shoulder) was moved to the 60-day IL.
The 26-year-old Patrick made 19 appearances — 18 starts — and was 3-7 with a 3.52 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 94 2⁄3 innings.
Mitchell had surgery on his left shoulder earlier this week. He had been preparing for his return from an oblique injury when he hurt his shoulder while playing for Nashville in mid-June. He was hitting .206 with no homers and three RBIs in 25 games for Milwaukee this season before going on the injured list.
___
AP MLB:
