September 23rd, 2023. That was the last time Brandon Woodruff stepped on a major league mound. One extremely complicated shoulder surgery later, and he’s ready to retake his rotation spot with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Miami Marlins are the first team on the docket.
Woodruff was one of the best starters in baseball before his injury. In 81 starts from 2020 to 2023, the Brewers’ veteran hurler recorded a 2.76 ERA. The problem has always been health; he made 30 starts in just one of those four seasons. With Milwaukee firmly in the playoff race, any help it can get will be welcome.
The Brewers are favored at -126 on the Moneyline on the DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at eight runs. Let’s break down the best Brandon Woodruff prop bet for this contest.
Best Brandon Woodruff Prop Bet
Under 4.5 Strikeouts Recorded
Shoulder injuries are a tricky thing. Especially one that had this kind of layoff. For the 32-year-old Woodruff, the first start back could be the most important of his career. For one, getting back on the mound is a big deal. Just getting to this point is extremely impressive. The Brewers have their sights on the playoffs, as does Woodruff. But he also has his eyes on next year.
The Brewers and Woodruff hold a $20 million mutual option for next season. If either team declines, he becomes a free agent. Thirty-two-year-olds who re-injure themselves shortly after a year-long layoff don’t do well on the open market. Woodruff knows this, as does Milwaukee’s staff.
In short, I expect him to take things easy in his first start back. Normally reliant on a lively fastball and devastating breaking stuff, Woodruff will look to get a feel for his stuff against major league hitters. That’s going to take time. The road to being back hasn’t ended just yet. Sunday’s season debut against Miami is just another big hurdle for Woodruff to clear.
