Brewers shut down rookie rotation buzz after Brandon Woodruff injury

Fans may have pushed the idea of Jacob Misiorowski stepping in, but the clubhouse never bought it. Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel shut it down on X, pointing to Pat Murphy’s clear stance against the move.

“There have been some suggestions that Jacob Misiorowski would be the Brewers No. 3 starter in the playoffs with Brandon Woodruff hurt. That would seem unlikely based on comments from Pat Murphy yesterday,” Hogg wrote.

Brandon Woodruff sidelined for the Brewers

Brandon Woodruff’s postseason plans came crashing down after he strained his lat during a bullpen session, an untimely setback for the 32-year-old. He was slated to anchor the Milwaukee Brewers’ playoff rotation, but the injury now leaves a major void.

Woodruff logged a 3.20 ERA in the 2025 regular season and a 3.18 ERA in the playoffs despite a 1-3 record, proving his reliability when it mattered most. Originally lined up to start Game 2 of the NLDS, he now appears all but ruled out for the series.

With Brandon Woodruff sidelined, the Milwaukee Brewers will lean on veterans Freddy Peralta and Quinn Priester to anchor the playoff rotation. Chad Patrick and Tobias Myers could also see opportunities, while a bullpen-heavy approach remains on the table depending on matchups and player availability. Jose Quintana, who is recovering from a calf strain, might factor in as well if he gets cleared before the NLDS.

The Brewers may see Misiorowski as a future ace, but for now they’re putting experience ahead of upside. Murphy’s approach is to limit risk, keeping the rookie in a controlled bullpen role rather than throwing him into high-pressure playoff starts.