Brandon Woodruff to Start March 31 Against Rays, Avoiding Injured List Stint

Two-time All-Star Brandon Woodruff will start the Milwaukee Brewers' fifth game of the season on March 31 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Two-time All-Star right-hander Brandon Woodruff will start the Milwaukee Brewers' fifth game of the season on March 31 against the Tampa Bay Rays. This announcement, made Monday at American Family Field, confirms the 33-year-old veteran has successfully navigated a Brandon Woodruff injury recovery process involving a lat strain that sidelined him during the previous postseason. Woodruff returns to the Milwaukee rotation after accepting a $22.025 million qualifying offer during the offseason, providing a veteran presence for a club pursuing its fourth consecutive NL Central title.

Manager Pat Murphy confirmed the decision before a Monday night exhibition contest against the Cincinnati Reds. While Woodruff acknowledged his pitch count may be lower than other pitchers concluding spring training, he expressed confidence in his physical recovery and the quality of his pitches. The right-hander explicitly stated his desire to avoid minor league rehab assignments, noting that his body felt prepared for major league competition. Murphy emphasized that the team decided to trust the player's self-assessment after a progression that exceeded initial internal expectations regarding his return timeline.

Milwaukee Brewers Opening Week Rotation Details

Jacob Misiorowski, a flame-throwing right-hander who appeared in 15 games as a rookie last year, is scheduled to start the season opener this Thursday against the Chicago White Sox. The series against Chicago will continue with right-handers Chad Patrick and Brandon Sproat starting the final two games. Patrick, 27, enters the season following a rookie campaign where he posted a 3-8 record and a 3.53 ERA across 27 appearances. Sproat, 25, will be making his fifth career start; he was a key piece acquired by Milwaukee in the trade that sent two-time All-Star Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets.

Following the White Sox series, the Brewers travel to face the Tampa Bay Rays. Left-hander Kyle Harrison is slated to start the series opener on Monday. The 23-year-old Harrison has 42 career appearances under his belt and joined the organization via a trade with Boston that involved third baseman Caleb Durbin. Woodruff’s start on March 31 will conclude the early rotation cycle, filling a critical gap created by preseason medical setbacks to other projected starters.

Quinn Priester Medical Update and Diagnosis

The Brewers will begin the year without Quinn Priester, who is currently sidelined with a nerve issue. Priester is coming off a breakthrough season in which he achieved a 13-3 record and a 3.32 ERA. Throughout much of the preseason, the right-hander struggled with a wrist problem that was eventually diagnosed as being partially related to thoracic outlet syndrome. Manager Pat Murphy indicated that if rehabilitation proceeds as planned, Priester could potentially return to the active roster in early May.

Woodruff’s availability is particularly significant given the relative youth of the remaining staff. Aside from the 33-year-old Woodruff, the rotation relies heavily on players with limited major league service time. The veteran right-hander noted that he felt he was in a good spot personally regarding his recovery and strength. By avoiding a stint on the injured list, Woodruff ensures the Brewers have their most experienced arm available for the first week of the regular season schedule.

Tactical Implications for the NL Central Race

Milwaukee’s pitching strategy for the opening series highlights a reliance on high-velocity prospects and recent trade acquisitions. Misiorowski’s role as the Opening Day starter marks a significant promotion for the sophomore pitcher. The inclusion of Sproat and Patrick in the initial three games against the White Sox underscores the team's commitment to their younger arms while Priester recovers. Harrison’s left-handed profile provides the only southpaw look in the first five games of the campaign.

Woodruff’s $22.025 million contract reflects his status as the anchor of this evolving unit. His ability to start on time prevents the team from having to utilize a sixth starter or a bullpen day during the first turn through the rotation. The Brewers' medical staff and coaching personnel had previously considered the possibility of a brief injured list stint to start the year, but Woodruff’s performance in camp sessions convinced the front office he was ready for the March 31 assignment in Tampa Bay.