Brewers Brace for Dodgers NLCS Without Woodruff as Bullpen Takes Center Stage

Brewers Brace for Dodgers NLCS Without Woodruff as Bullpen Takes Center Stage

Brandon Woodruff’s 2025 season is effectively over as he is still recuperating from a lat strain sustained in late September. The ace pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers has not begun throwing again, leading to his absence from the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Brewers’ chances of having Woodruff available for a potential World Series appearance are also looking bleak, given the tight timeline.

Milwaukee recently advanced past the Chicago Cubs in a hard-fought five-game series, which showcased the challenges of a pitching staff missing its key player. The Brewers relied heavily on their bullpen to navigate the decisive Game 5, a struggle that could intensify as they prepare to face the Dodgers starting Monday night at American Family Field.

Woodruff’s return was shaping up to be one of the positive narratives of the Brewers’ season after a successful rehabilitation, marked by a standout five-inning performance against the Angels on September 17. However, shortly after that game, the lat injury resurfaced, halting his postseason contributions and making his return unlikely at a critical time.

With Woodruff sidelined, Freddy Peralta steps up as the leading pitcher for the Brewers, despite facing challenges in closing out games. Peralta has had an impressive season with a 17–6 record and a 2.70 ERA alongside 204 strikeouts. Milwaukee is leveraging a combination of pitchers, including Quinn Priester, José Quintana, and Chad Patrick, to cover the gaps that Woodruff’s absence has created. This patchwork strategy proved successful against the Cubs, but facing a formidable team like the Dodgers poses a new set of challenges.

The Brewers performed well against the Dodgers earlier in the season, sweeping them in a six-game series in July, a fact that could instill some confidence as they embark on this high-stakes matchup. Nevertheless, they will need to navigate the NLCS with tactical precision and strong performances from their remaining roster if they hope to extend their October run.

While Woodruff’s situation casts a shadow over the Brewers’ playoff aspirations, the team remains resilient. They will need to rely heavily on their effective pitchers and maintain their momentum to conquer the challenges that lie ahead.

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