In the playoffs, the Milwaukee Brewers were unable to count on the services of Brandon Woodruff. The pitcher injured his shoulder.
Ultimately, the club didn’t get far in the playoffs so much that at the time, one could wonder if the pitcher would have been available to play later in October.
But we just understood that no, he would not have played in the World Series, for example.
For what? Because today we learned that the starter underwent shoulder surgery that could keep him sidelined for the entire 2024 season.
The problem is that this adds uncertainty to Milwaukee ahead of the 2024 season.
First, there is the fact that manager Craig Counsell could leave which is causing quite a bit of talk on the Wisconsin side. He is at the end of his contract and we don’t know what to expect.
Corbin Burnes is one year away from autonomy – just like Woodruff, who might not pitch between now and autonomy, therefore. The Brewers will therefore have to ask themselves questions.
After all, we know there are rumors with Burnes possibly leaving in a year. Officially, the club does not intend to trade him until then, but…
Do the Brewers feel like they can win without one of their three big pitchers? Can Burnes and Freddy Peralta hold down the fort?
If so, keeping Burnes might make sense.
If not, can the club “give up” and trade Burnes to replenish the coffers? Does the potential departure of the manager come into play? He will surely want to win.
In short, all this means that big questions will have to be asked in Milwaukee.
