Deadspin | After nearly 2 years away, Brewers' Brandon Woodruff returns vs. Marlins

[ad_1] Milwaukee Brewers’ pitcher Brandon Woodruff throughout a rehabilitation begin, following shoulder surgical procedure in November 2023, with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Neuroscience Group Subject at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, Wis. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff is about to make his return to the main leagues Sunday afternoon in opposition to the host Miami Marlins.

The 2-time All-Star, who's coming off shoulder surgical procedure and an extended rehab, hasn't pitched within the majors since Sept. 23, 2023.

"I do not understand how I will really feel," Woodruff mentioned. "I do not know all of the feelings. However I do know I will be excited."

Traditionally, he has had success in opposition to the Marlins. He's 3-0 with a 2.77 ERA in 4 profession begins in opposition to them.

Sunday will mark the rubber recreation of the weekend collection. Milwaukee received the opener 6-5 on Friday, and Miami prevailed 4-2 on Saturday.

The Brewers are anticipated to be with out first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who injured his left thumb on a tough tag at first base on Saturday. X-rays had been damaging.

Jake Bauers seemingly will begin at first base if Hoskins is unavailable.

"It does not look nice," Brewers supervisor Pat Murphy mentioned of Hoskins' thumb. "I believe it'll be tremendous sore. It is your backside hand swinging the bat. It is actually vital.

"Hopefully it isn't an injury-list state of affairs, but it surely is likely to be relying on how he feels the subsequent few days."

Hoskins, who acknowledged that his thumb is sore, was requested in regards to the Marlins, who've received 10 of their previous 12 video games underneath rookie supervisor Clayton McCullough.

"They have some good, younger gamers," Hoskins mentioned. "They're enjoying good baseball.

"I do know Clayton decently properly from him teaching the Dodgers for a very long time. I do know what sort of baseball man he's, and he has them doing all the proper issues. They're enjoying with emotion."

As for Woodruff, Hoskins mentioned, "We're all stoked" for him.

"I do know what it is wish to miss a complete yr," mentioned Hoskins, who tore his left ACL in spring coaching in 2023 and was sidelined for the season. "However I additionally know what it is wish to compete in opposition to (Woodruff). It is not enjoyable."

The Marlins will counter Woodruff with right-hander Edward Cabrera (3-2, 3.41 ERA) on Sunday.

Cabrera, who's 1-1 with a 2.13 ERA in three profession appearances in opposition to Milwaukee, is having his greatest season since 2022, when he completed 6-4 with a 3.01 ERA in 14 begins.

His ERA was properly over 4.00 in every of the previous two seasons, when he had a mixed 11-15 report.

As for Miami's lineup, rookie catcher Agustin Ramirez has continued to spark the workforce, together with with a two-run, tiebreaking single within the eighth inning on Saturday.

"We have now seen the maturity of Gus all through the season," McCullough mentioned of Ramirez's two-out, two-strike hit. "Whereas he's a rookie, he has been in a number of huge spots."

Ramirez, who did not make his MLB debut till April 21, has 37 RBIs, which ranks third on the Marlins.

The Marlins even have acquired stellar bullpen work of late, together with on Saturday, after they locked down the win with 5 1/3 scoreless innings of aid.