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In recent weeks, it seems as if Brandon Woodruff has been trending toward a return from injury in the World Series. The Milwaukee Brewers pitcher is recovering from a shoulder injury. Woodruff is hoping to earn a spot on the roster of course. However, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal recently explained a specific World Series rule that suggests this is going to be a tougher decision for Milwaukee than it may have initially seemed.
“He has worked his way back, turned out he healed quickly enough so he didn’t need surgery. And he went on a throwing progression and suddenly now, after throwing to live hitters Tuesday, is a guy at least they’re thinking about for the (World Series) roster,” Rosenthal said on Foul Territory. “Now, you ask about the rule… here’s the problem. The way the rules work, if an injured player is replaced for an injury he suffers during the particular series… or something that just comes up, he can be replaced. If it is a situation where the injury is chronic or recurring, well then you have a situation where in the rules it says, ‘No, you cannot replace the player.'”
Rosenthal further explained that if Woodruff hurt his shoulder again during a World Series appearance, he may not be able to be replaced since it’s an injury he’s dealt with for months now. It’s something the Brewers will have to think about before placing him on the roster.
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Woodruff has pitched in Milwaukee since 2017. The two-time All-Star has seen the highs and lows of the franchise over the years. One could argue he deserves the roster spot despite the rule.
With that being said, the Brewers would be placed in a difficult position if Woodruff were to reaggravate his injury early in the series. That could potentially leave them with an injured player occupying a valuable roster spot.
This will be a storyline to follow as the Brewers prepare to officially announce their World Series roster soon. Game 1 of the 2026 Fall Classic between the Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays is scheduled for 8 PM ET on Friday night.
Related: World Series injuries: Brewers, Rays could be without these key players in Fall Classic