Brandon Woodruff shines in his 2025 return after 651 days, leading the Brewers past the Marlins 3-1 on July 6 with 8 Ks. Get the full game recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a sight for sore eyes. After 651 long days filled with surgery, rehab, and setbacks, Brandon Woodruff was back on a Major League mound, and he looked every bit the ace Milwaukee remembered. Woody was masterful, carving up the Miami Marlins over six dominant innings to lead the Brewers to a much-needed 3-1 victory on Sunday.
651 days. That's how long Brewers fans waited to see Brandon Woodruff on a big-league mound again. He made it worth every second.
The main story, without a doubt, was the return of Brandon Woodruff. Making his first start since September 23, 2023, the 32-year-old righty showed no signs of rust. He commanded the zone, throwing 53 of his 70 pitches for strikes and overpowering Miami's lineup. His final line was a thing of beauty: six innings, two hits, one earned run, no walks, and eight strikeouts. The lone blemish was a solo homer by Heriberto Hernandez, a small price to pay for a performance that instantly elevates the entire Brewers' pitching staff. After battling back from major shoulder surgery, seeing Woodruff back and dealing is the biggest win the Brewers could have asked for.
While Woodruff handled the pitching, Jackson Chourio handled the scoring. The young outfielder, who is building an impressive sophomore campaign after a third-place Rookie of the Year finish in 2024, was the entire offense on Sunday. He launched a two-run homer, his 15th of the season, to give Woodruff an early lead and later added a crucial sacrifice fly. All three Brewers runs came off Chourio's bat, showcasing his growing importance in the heart of the Milwaukee lineup.
Consistent production from key veterans is crucial, and Christian Yelich continues to deliver. With an infield single, he extended his on-base streak to a remarkable 19 games and promptly stole his 13th base of the season. He remains a constant threat at the top of the order. After Woodruff's stellar outing, the bullpen locked it down, culminating in Trevor Megill's clean ninth inning. The closer secured his 20th save of the season in 23 chances, slamming the door on the Marlins and the road trip.
The Brewers wrap up their six-game road trip with a 3-3 record, a result they'll gladly take given the emotional and strategic boost of Woodruff's return. Now, they head home for a huge test. The Los Angeles Dodgers come to town for a series starting Monday, and the Crew will send their other ace, Freddy Peralta (9-4, 2.91 ERA), to the mound. With one ace back in form and another ready to go, the upcoming homestand promises to be electric.
