The biggest question on the World Series roster: Will the Brewers carry Brandon Woodruff ? The two-time All-Star said during the NLCS celebration that he wants to secure a spot on Milwaukee’s pitching staff for the Fall Classic.
MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy writes that Woodruff’s fastball was in the 90-92 mph range during a 23-pitch live batting practice session this afternoon. It’s the first time he’s thrown at batters since suffering a shoulder injury that was initially expected to end his season.
“I know where I’m at. I’ve only faced real hitters once and the World Series starts in three days,” Woodruff told McCalvy after the BP session. “As far as the decision goes, I haven’t heard anything. I’m sure they’re discussing it.” President of baseball operations Matt Arnold indicated no decision had been made, telling McCalvy the team is “still working through our meetings” on the roster.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic wrote that Milwaukee is concerned about the possibility that they won’t be able to replace Woodruff if he suffers a setback. The problem obviously is that MLB rules allow players with non-chronic injuries during the playoffs to be replaced on the roster. With Woodruff’s shoulder issue a long-term concern, Rosenthal writes that Milwaukee’s front office has reached out to MLB for clarification.
Teams are allowed to carry 13 pitchers on a postseason roster. They can normally replace injured players, but they will have to replace an injured pitcher with another pitcher. The Brewers had 13 pitchers on their roster for the NLCS.
None of Kyle Harrison, Chad Patrick Or Antonio Senzatela made it an NLCS game. Senzatela made two low-leverage appearances during the NLDS; neither Patrick nor Harrison appeared in a game in either series. Harrison is likely the 13th pitcher on the depth chart after a rough second half, although the Brewers may not want to risk losing him as a cleanup option if they are concerned about Woodruff’s ability to pitch multiple innings. The Rays have a left-handed heavy lineup and were much better against right-handed pitchers (.751 OPS) than lefties (.678 OPS). Harrison is one of six lefties Milwaukee carried on the first two teams.
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