Brewers' Brandon Woodruff exits vs. D-backs after velocity plummets

Field Level Media|published: 07/05/2026, 12:27am EDT

Jul 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff exited in the fourth inning of Milwaukee's 4-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in Phoenix after his velocity noticeably plummeted.

After averaging 91 and 83 mph with his fastball and changeup, respectively, in the first inning, Woodruff averaged 86.6 mph with his fastball and 76.6 mph with his changeup in the fourth inning.

He exited after a visit from Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy, athletic trainer Brad Epstein and pitching coach Chris Hook. The start was his third back from the injured list after he sustained a right shoulder inflammation which previously caused his velocity to dip in a start against Arizona on April 30.

Woodruff, 33, missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing right shoulder surgery to repair his anterior capsule.

The Brewers haven't shared an update on exactly what led to Woodruff's departure after he allowed three runs on two hits over 3 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and one walk. He took the loss to fall to 2-2 with a 2.98 ERA.

The two-time All-Star (2019, 2021) entered the day with a career 55-29 record and 3.08 ERA over 150 appearances (135 starts) across nine seasons for the Brewers.

--Field Level Media