2025 Injury Report: Updates on Herrera, Lugo, Woodruff

Even though the Brewers have already clinched a playoff berth — and on September 21, the NL Central — there is some cause for concern. Milwaukee hasn’t had Brandon Woodruff available for each of the last two playoff runs and may not have him again in 2025. Woodruff landed on the injured list with just one week before the end of the regular season.

Woodruff lands on IL

The Brewers placed Brandon Woodruff on the 15-day IL with a right lat strain. It’s retroactive to September 18.

Woodruff’s injury occurred during his bullpen session on September 20. He was due to see a doctor in St. Louis.

Since the Brewers will have a first-round bye, Woodruff would become eligible when the NLDS starts. However, manager Pat Murphy stated that it’s unknown whether he’ll be available.

Herrera to have surgery

Cardinals C/DH Ivan Herrera will have surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow after the season. He’s still active, as he hit a home run on September 21 to give him 17 on the season.

Herrera has mainly been a designated hitter this season. He only spent 14 games as a backstop and played sparingly in the outfield this season. However, that doesn’t mean Herrera won’t return behind the plate.

Manager Oli Marmol stated that the Cardinals plan on having Herrera return to catching after his elbow is repaired.

Lugo shut down

Royals manager Matt Quatraro stated that Seth Lugo won’t return this season.

Lugo has been shut down since the start of September with a low back strain.

Rehab assignments

Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman went 2-4 with a double and a strikeout for Norfolk (AAA). In that same game, Gary Sanchez went 1-4 with a strikeout.

Marlins outfielder Derek Hill went 1-4 with a strikeout for Jacksonville (AAA).

Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor went 1-5 with a strikeout and a run scored for Syracuse (AAA).

Anthony Santander went 0-2 with two walks for Buffalo (AAA).

Other injury news

Nationals outfielder Daylen Lile left his team’s game on September 21 thanks to a knee contusion sustained after sliding into the left field wall at Citi Field. Additionally, CJ Abrams missed that game with a shoulder injury.