Brewers Already Placing Brandon Woodruff on Injured List is a Bad Sign for Oblique Issue
By Scott Rogust
The Milwaukee Brewers have had their fair share of issues with their starting pitching in 2019. On Sunday, they were dealt a significant blow.
Starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff was placed on the 10-day injured list after suffering a left oblique injury two pitches into the fourth inning of Sunday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Brewers To Place Brandon Woodruff On 10-Day IL Due To Oblique Injury https://t.co/HphjRs0uXi pic.twitter.com/fS7PBRZHXW
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) July 22, 2019
The timing of the transaction shows just how significant this injury could be for Woodruff. He left the game and just two hours later was placed on the IL.
The right-hander has been Milwaukee's stalwart in the starting rotation this season. Woodruff is 11-3 with a 3.75 ERA and 1.17 WHIP and has struck out 136 batters while walking just 29. He was named to the NL All-Star team as a result.
Craig Counsell said Brandon Woodruff will go on IL with left oblique injury. He’ll see team physician Dr. Raasch and have MRI tomorrow. Unclear how much time he’ll be out.
— Sophia Minnaert (@SophiaMinnaert) July 22, 2019
Woodruff is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. If his oblique issue is considered minor, Woodruff will miss a minimum of a couple of weeks of action.
However, if it's proven to be serious, Milwaukee could be without their ace for a month or longer, which isn't ideal as they compete in a wide open battle for the NL Central crown.
The Brewers have actively searched for starting pitching on the trade market, but now with Woodruff hitting the injured list, expect them to expedite the process as we inch closer to the July 31 trade deadline.