Team adjusts pitching lineup in preparation for match-up against Philadelphia
The Milwaukee Brewers have assigned relief pitcher Joel Payamps to their Triple-A affiliate, Nashville, following his designation for assignment on May 22. His departure from the major league roster enabled the team to reinstate Aaron Civale from the injured list and call up Carlos Rodriguez.
Payamps managed to clear waivers after the Philadelphia Phillies designated him for assignment on the same day as the Brewers' moves. The veteran reliever found himself struggling in Milwaukee, posting an ERA of 8.35 and only picking up three holds before being demoted to the minor leagues. With Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe leading their bullpen, space for Payamps in the team was limited.
Meanwhile, former All-Star Brandon Woodruff has been recovering from injuries with Nashville, though Payamps' departure has less to do with Woodruff's health and more with the team's pitching performance. Woodruff's return to the Brewers' rotation is eagerly anticipated as he works his way back from right ankle tendinitis, following a prolonged absence due to major right shoulder surgery.
With Woodruff's delayed comeback, the Brewers' roster now has room for players rebounding from injuries. Woodruff himself, Nestor Cortes, and Jose Quintana are all currently recuperating from various issues on the injured list. Woodruff pitched seven strong innings in his latest rehab start, inching closer to his return.
The Brewers are in the midst of a four-game winning streak as they gear up to face the Philadelphia Phillies, who lead the National League East. Despite the prolonged absence of their ace, Pat Murphy's team is determined to compete and demonstrate their capabilities against one of the league's best teams.
Expectations for the Brewers in the NL playoff race remain high, despite a mediocre start to the season that leaves the team just above .500. However, their struggle can partially be attributed to the absence of their full roster of starters due to injuries.
Losing key players like Woodruff has thinned the team's starting rotation and reduced their options in the bullpen, potentially impacting the Brewers' competitiveness and consistency on the mound throughout the 2025 season. To address this, the team has had to rely on minor leaguers and less experienced pitchers.
Brandon Woodruff's recovery progress will be closely watched by Brewers fans, who hope for a strong return from their ace and the eventual return to health of the rest of Murphy's pitching staff. If this is achieved, the Brewers stand a chance tostage a comeback in the competitive NL Central.
Injuries within the Milwaukee Brewers' pitching staff, including Brandon Woodruff, have coincided with a surge of rumors about the team's competitiveness in the MLB playoff race. These rumors intensified following the reassignment of relief pitcher Joel Payamps to the Triple-A affiliate, Nashville, where Woodruff is currently recuperating from right ankle tendinitis and a prolonged absence due to major right shoulder surgery.
