2026 Transactions: Cleavinger, Woodruff Make WS Rosters

Both the Brewers & Rays had to finalize their World Series rosters on October 23, hours before the start of the Fall Classic. Milwaukee made a big move, activating Brandon Woodruff and adding him to the active roster. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, added another left-handed pitcher to the bullpen.

Woodruff on Brewers’ roster

The Brewers made one change to the roster before the World Series. Milwaukee added Brandon Woodruff to the active roster for the Fall Classic, while Chad Patrick was the odd man out for the National League champions.

Woodruff last pitched back on July 4 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, a start in which he struck out six over 3.2 IP. However, he shortly afterwards went on the IL, appeared to have required season-ending surgery, and wound up not needing it altogether. Instead, Woodruff slowly worked his way back.

Earlier this week, Woodruff noted that he was sitting in the low-90s with his fastball.

Patrick was one of several pitchers not to have pitched in the postseason thus far for Milwaukee.

Cleavinger back in, Hopkins out

The Rays also made a pitcher swap, as Garrett Cleavinger is back on the active roster. Brody Hopkins was removed before the World Series.

It’s a reversal of what Tampa Bay did just before the ALCS, when Hopkins was added to replace Cleavinger. However, the Rays didn’t use Hopkins at all during the series against the Cleveland Guardians.

Clevinger, to this point, hasn’t pitched in the playoffs, either.