MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers are close to getting key pitchers Brandon Woodruff and Nestor Cortes back on the mound after extended recoveries from injuries. Both athletes participated in simulated games on Monday to help them get back into the swing of things.
Woodruff, who hasn’t played in a major league game since September of last year, geared up with 60 pitches. Meanwhile, Cortes, who has only managed two starts this season before landing on the injured list in early April, delivered around 22-23 pitches during the simulated game and more than 25 in a subsequent bullpen session.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy is coordinating with staff to decide the best course of action for Woodruff, who underwent shoulder surgery in 2023 and hopes to need only one more rehabilitation appearance before making his much-anticipated return.
“I’ve always known when I’m ready,” Woodruff explained. “I’m at that point now. Whether it translates to the game results, I can’t say for sure. But I’m eager to pitch and compete again.”
Cortes is hopeful for a rehab appearance by early July, aiming to join the Brewers following the All-Star break, as the 30-year-old pitcher recovers from a flexor strain in his throwing elbow.
“We think that’s the safest and quickest route back,” he stated.
Woodruff, age 32, has already been through two rehab assignments this year. The two-time All-Star encountered a setback when tendinitis struck his right ankle during his first rehab stint. He faced another delay on June 3 while pitching for Triple-A Nashville when a powerful line drive bruised his right elbow.
“It’s been hard,” Woodruff admitted. “Staying positive is crucial; otherwise, coming to the field becomes unbearable. When Nestor and I are left behind while the team’s on the road, it gets quite lonely.”
Despite these challenges, Woodruff credits his family for keeping his spirits lifted. It’s the same for Cortes.
Woodruff, together with his wife Jonie, has a daughter named Kyler who will turn five in August and a son named Bowen born last July. Meanwhile, Cortes and his wife Alondra are celebrating their young son, Nestor Cortes III, born in April.
“That’s my greatest support,” Woodruff shared. “Getting to spend these moments, like feeding my little boy his nightly bottle, that’s something you miss when traveling. Watching him prepare to take his first steps and being present for those milestones really fills the days until it’s game time. My kids keep me plenty busy.”
As both pitchers near their return, the Brewers are also awaiting updates on the extent of a minor league prospect’s injury. Drafted as the 18th overall pick in 2023, third baseman Brock Wilken injured his knee during a recent celebration for Double-A Biloxi’s Southern League South Division first-half title.
Murphy announced that Wilken dislocated his patellar tendon and is now seeking a second opinion. At 23, Wilken has a performance record with a .230 average and an on-base percentage of .392, amounting to 18 homers, 41 RBIs, and 57 walks across 65 games with Biloxi.