Throwing 85 mph, Brandon Woodruff leaves start in second inning

Brandon Woodruff departed his start in the second inning April 30 after showing significantly diminished velocity.

The Milwaukee Brewers right-hander came out of the gates throwing 84 to 85 mph with his four-seam fastball against the Arizona Diamondbacks, seven ticks below his season average.

By the time he gave up a single to the sixth batter he saw, a flare by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. with one out in the second inning, the trio of manager Pat Murphy, pitching coach Chris Hook and trainer Brad Epstein went to the mound. The visit didn't last long and Woodruff handed the ball off and walked off the mound.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 30: Brandon Woodruff #53 of the Milwaukee Brewers leaves the game in the second inning with an injury against the Arizona Diamondbacks at American Family Field on April 30, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

A velocity dip of that level would be alarming to see in any pitcher, but in Woodruff's case it was particularly worrisome. Woodruff missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his right shoulder. Following a long road back to pitching in the majors, Woodruff made 12 starts last year before suffering a right lat strain that sidelined him for the end of the regular season and playoffs.

Woodruff accepted a qualifying offer from the Brewers for $22.03 million in the winter under the hope from both sides that he would be fully healthy in 2026.

Woodruff had made five starts this season with a 3.77 earned run average. His velocity hadn't returned to its full-octane form from prior years, but he had been able to be effective sitting between 91-94 mph with his fastball.