Brandon Woodruff Is Making A Pitch for NL Comeback Player Of The Year

Brandon Woodruff returned to action on July 6 after nearly two years of inactivity due to major shoulder surgery in October 2023. Thus far, he has made a handful of starts for the Brewers and has been everything the organization has hoped for.

In his five starts, the red-headed right-hander has thrown 28 1/3 innings while allowing only 14 hits, seven runs, and four walks. He has struck out 37 batters for an impressive K rate of 35.5%, which is the highest rate of his career. Likewise, his walk rate of 3.8% is a career best.

In Woodruff's latest outing against the Washington Nationals Saturday afternoon, Woodruff allowed one hit, a two-run shot by Robert Hassell III, two runs, and one walk while striking out eight. It was the fourth game in which he pitched at least six innings, which goes a long way toward giving the bullpen a little downtime.

The only Brewer player to ever win the Comeback Player of the Year award was southpaw pitcher Mike Caldwell in 1978. Caldwell went 22-9 with an ERA of 2.36. He completed 23 games along with six shutouts, and added one save for good measure.

Ten former Brewers earned Comeback Player of the Year awards while toiling for other teams. Josh Donaldson, Mike Moustakas, Prince Fielder, Casey McGehee, Gorman Thomas, John Jaha, Gary Sheffield, Greg Vaughn, Clyde Wright, and Tim Leary all won the award while playing on another squad.

Although ‘Big Woo’ has started great, players like Ronald Acuna Jr., Spencer Strider, Kodai Senga, Robbie Ray, and Brewer Christian Yelich are all in hot pursuit for the Comeback Player of the Year honor.

But if Woodruff can make another 10-11 starts and match the production of his first five outings, he will be in the thick of things and could become the second Brewer player to win this prestigious award.

How do you think Big Woo will finish his season? Can he win the Comeback Player of the Year Award? Let us know in the comments section, and thanks for reading!