Timeline for a “moderate” lat strain (Grok AI)

[edfunderburk]

Understanding a Moderate Lat Strain in Baseball

A latissimus dorsi (lat) strain is a common overuse injury in baseball, often affecting pitchers or hitters due to repetitive overhead throwing or swinging motions. “Moderate” typically refers to a grade 2 strain on the medical grading scale (grade 1: mild, grade 2: partial tear with noticeable weakness and pain, grade 3: full rupture). Recovery depends on factors like age, overall health, rehab adherence, and whether surgery is needed (rare for moderate cases).

Typical Recovery Time

For a moderate lat strain, expect 4-8 weeks of recovery before returning to full baseball activities. This breaks down as:

•  Initial rest and pain management: 1-2 weeks of immobilization, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling.

•  Rehabilitation phase: 3-6 weeks of progressive physical therapy focusing on restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion. This includes gentle stretching, isometric exercises, and sport-specific drills (e.g., light throwing).

•  Return to play: Gradual ramp-up in the final 1-2 weeks, with clearance from a sports medicine specialist to avoid re-injury.

Evidence and Sources

•  According to the American Journal of Sports Medicine (studies on MLB pitchers), moderate lat strains average 42-56 days on the injured list, aligning with 4-8 weeks for non-surgical cases.

•  Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic guidelines for muscle strains confirm grade 2 recovery in 4-6 weeks with proper rehab, though baseball’s high-velocity demands can extend it to 8 weeks.

•  MLB team protocols (e.g., via Driveline Baseball resources) emphasize individualized timelines, with 70-80% of players returning fully within 6 weeks if rehab starts early.

Tips for Recovery

•  Consult a physician for an MRI to confirm severity.

•  Avoid rushing back—re-injury risk is high without full strength.

•  Incorporate preventive exercises like lat stretches and core work post-recovery.

If symptoms persist beyond 8 weeks or worsen, seek immediate medical evaluation.

[adambr2]

TLDR: Woodruff is done for the season.

[edfunderburk]

Just now, adambr2 said:

TLDR: Woodruff is done for the season.

Sadly, based on this information, I agree … assuming he has a “moderate” lat strain 

[HarryDoyle]

2 minutes ago, adambr2 said:

TLDR: Woodruff is done for the season.

If not his career.

[Sixtolezcano]

I say throw him out there in Game 3 of the NLDS and see what he has. At least give it a try. After all he is still under Brewer control and his contract runs through the end of the 2025 season.

[biedergb]

1 hour ago, Sixtolezcano said:

After all he is still under Brewer control and his contract runs through the end of the 2025 season.

It's a mutual option and if he is really bad, Brewers won't pick it up, and if he wants to pitch he will turn it down and go someone (hey I hear the Dodgers are looking for another pitcher🙄).

So Woodruff's Brewer career is over, while overall MLB career is likely in doubt but still salvageable in the future.

What will be most disappointing for me as a fan is that his last playoff appearance was in game 4 against the Braves where he pitched to keep it tied, and then Hader gave up the game- and series-winning HR to end that season. Still wild to think that was 4 years ago and that's the last appearance he will ever have a Brewer in the post-season.

[Sixtolezcano]

16 minutes ago, biedergb said:

It's a mutual option and if he is really bad, Brewers won't pick it up, and if he wants to pitch he will turn it down and go someone (hey I hear the Dodgers are looking for another pitcher🙄).

So Woodruff's Brewer career is over, while overall MLB career is likely in doubt but still salvageable in the future.

What will be most disappointing for me as a fan is that his last playoff appearance was in game 4 against the Braves where he pitched to keep it tied, and then Hader gave up the game- and series-winning HR to end that season. Still wild to think that was 4 years ago and that's the last appearance he will ever have a Brewer in the post-season.

2026 is a mutual option. I was referring to the 2025 playoffs.

[CheezWizHed]

Perhaps this is a moderate time to rest for the playoffs strain?

[rickh150]

Suck it up and pitch…….what would Vuc do?   

[MoreTrife]

Did he say moderate?

[BrewerFan]

1 hour ago, CheezWizHed said:

Perhaps this is a moderate time to rest for the playoffs strain?

It'd be nice, but... I don't think so. This is the time for 'shin contusion.' Not something so essential to pitching.

[willie key]

Maybe Miz will show us all that talent he has and just throw strikes for one game 

[Brock Beauchamp]

Our resident physical therapist and injury expert put it at 6-8 weeks, I believe. His first response was "Woodruff is done this season".

Such a colossal bummer.

But I'm not sure why people are questioning his career from here on out. While this is a huge disappointment for both Woodruff and the Brewers, it's not the kind of injury that puts a career in jeopardy, like at all.

[Underachiever]

1 hour ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

Our resident physical therapist and injury expert put it at 6-8 weeks, I believe. His first response was "Woodruff is done this season".

Such a colossal bummer.

But I'm not sure why people are questioning his career from here on out. While this is a huge disappointment for both Woodruff and the Brewers, it's not the kind of injury that puts a career in jeopardy, like at all.

I agree, but this injury sure makes it easier for me to say goodbye to Woodruff at the end of the season. Thanks, Woody, but you're 33 and can't be counted on. I wish him good luck with his career, I hope some team gives him $100 million.

[Brock Beauchamp]

3 hours ago, Underachiever said:

I agree, but this injury sure makes it easier for me to say goodbye to Woodruff at the end of the season. Thanks, Woody, but you're 33 and can't be counted on. I wish him good luck with his career, I hope some team gives him $100 million.

Agreed. As much as I'd like to see him stay with the Brewers, he's been waiting for a payday for a long time, and it probably shouldn't come from Milwaukee. Not a good on-field value for the team.

[tmwiese55]

OTOH, this injury again might be what keeps him affordable and back to MKE.  Without it he was almost for sure out of our range of what what they should do.  But now, he might have to take another short term thing.   If someone is giving him 100 mil in the bank though he should take it

[MaryvaleBrewer]

5 hours ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

Our resident physical therapist and injury expert put it at 6-8 weeks, I believe. His first response was "Woodruff is done this season".

Such a colossal bummer.

But I'm not sure why people are questioning his career from here on out. While this is a huge disappointment for both Woodruff and the Brewers, it's not the kind of injury that puts a career in jeopardy, like at all.

I do think it puts Woodruff getting a QO in jeopardy. That will be an interesting decision in the offseason.

[BrewerFan]

1 hour ago, MaryvaleBrewer said:

I do think it puts Woodruff getting a QO in jeopardy. That will be an interesting decision in the offseason.

I do not think it does. I think that's still a pretty easy call. 22M for one year of Woodruff is an easy call. 

I'd still gladly go 3 years 60M. 

[Brock Beauchamp]

17 hours ago, MaryvaleBrewer said:

I do think it puts Woodruff getting a QO in jeopardy. That will be an interesting decision in the offseason.

Oh, that's an interesting point. Yes, it might.

[edfunderburk]

On 9/21/2025 at 9:11 PM, MoreTrife said:

Did he say moderate?

I’m pretty sure the word moderate was used by Murphy when he initially described the injury that led Woodruff to the IL