Brewers' Brandon Woodruff stymies Marlins in spectacular return

"No one could have expected six innings, two-hit ball, whatever it was," Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after the 3-1 victory, per the Associated Press. "He was sensational. Any worries anybody had about this guy being able to pitch or his future or whatever, he was right on it. Location, stuff, everything. ... I couldn't be happier for him and his family, what it means for the future. It's special." 

Woodruff, meanwhile, said he was nervous before the game, but his lengthy rehab proved beneficial.

"It's allowed me time to really just get everything close to where I want it to be," Woodruff said. "I just have to keep getting used to this type of load. I threw 70 pitches. By no means was I worn out, but you could kind of sense it a little bit in me. It's like when you haven't done it in almost two years, you forget how much mentally and physically a Major League Baseball game can take out of you." 

Woodruff proving he can continue to handle a heavier workload could be crucial for the Brewers, who are vying for a playoff spot. Milwaukee (50-40) would have the second wild-card spot in the National League if the postseason started Sunday. 

Starting pitching hasn't been one of the team's strengths. Entering Sunday's game, the Brewers ranked 28th in baseball in quality starts (22).

Woodruff's surprising performance on Sunday suggests he could help solve that problem.