Milwaukee Brewers: Brandon Woodruff looking for third All-Star appearance

Over the past three seasons, no one has been as consistent and as remarkable as the brilliant Brandon Woodruff, earning two All-Star selections and leading the Milwaukee Brewers to consecutive playoff appearances. The 30-year-old right-hander is looking to make his third All-Star team in 2023, as he continues to dominate hitters with his fastball-slider combination and his competitive mindset.

Brandon Woodruff on the mound

The star player is one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB) today. The 30-year-old left-hander has been a key member of the Milwaukee Brewers rotation since 2017, and has earned two All-Star selections and a fifth-place finish in the Cy Young Award voting in 2021. He has a career record of 41-25 with a 3.18 ERA and 714 strikeouts in 613.1 innings pitched.

Brandon Woodruff off the mound

Woodruff is someone who has overcome many challenges in his personal life. He was born in Tupelo, Miss., and grew up playing baseball with his brother, Blake, who tragically died in an ATV accident in 2016. Brandon was devastated by the loss, but he found strength and support from his family and his faith. He also dedicated his career to his brother’s memory, and honored him by hitting a home run in his first start after his death.

He married his high school sweetheart, Jonie, who has been by his side through thick and thin. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Kyler, in August 2021. Woodruff loves being a father and spending time with his family. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing golf in his spare time.

Humble beginnings of Brandon Woodruff

He attended Wheeler High School in Wheeler, Miss., where he excelled in baseball and basketball. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB draft, but he decided to attend Mississippi State University instead. He played for the Bulldogs for three years, posting a 3.50 ERA and 174 strikeouts in 208 innings.

Brandon Woodruff’s technique and style

Woodruff’s main weapon is his fastball, which he throws at an average velocity of 96.5 mph, according to Statcast. He can reach up to 100 mph with his four-seamer, and also mixes in a sinker, a slider, a curveball and a changeup. He has improved his fastball grip by watching match videos of other pitchers, such as Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander, and has seen positive results from his adjustments.

Early start at the highest level

The Brewers selected Woodruff in the 11th round of the 2014 MLB draft, and he quickly rose through their minor league system. He was named the Brewers’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2016, after going 14-9 with a 2.68 ERA and 173 strikeouts in 158 innings across two levels. He made his major league debut on August 4, 2017, against the Tampa Bay Rays, throwing 6.1 scoreless innings and striking out six batters.

Career projection and rise to stardom with Milwaukee Brewers

In 2018, Woodruff established himself as a key member of the Milwaukee Brewers’ rotation. With his fierce pitching skills and precise throws, he went 3-0 with a 3.61 ERA, striking out 47 batters in 42.1 innings. But that wasn’t all. Woodruff also proved himself a force to be reckoned with at the plate, hitting a stunning home run off Clayton Kershaw in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.

The following year, in 2019, Woodruff’s star continued to rise as he posted an impressive 11-3 record with a 3.62 ERA and 143 strikeouts in 121.2 innings. He was selected for his first All-Star team that year, and also led the National League in winning percentage with a remarkable .786. Fans and critics alike were in awe of Woodruff’s incredible talents on the mound.

But the best was yet to come. In 2020, Woodruff took his game to the next level, finishing with a jaw-dropping 2.77 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 73.2 innings. He led the National League in both WHIP (0.99) and FIP (2.04), and even landed seventh in the Cy Young Award voting. Woodruff’s accomplishments left no doubt that he was one of the best pitchers in the league.

In 2021, Woodruff continued to shine as he earned his second All-Star nod. With a 13-4 record, a 3.05 ERA, and an impressive 190 strikeouts in 153.1 innings, he helped lead the Brewers to the National League Central title. But Woodruff didn’t stop there. He also set a franchise record for the most strikeouts by a pitcher in a single season. The city of Milwaukee was abuzz with excitement, and fans could not wait to see what Woodruff would do next.

As it turned out, Woodruff’s 2022 season was just as incredible as his previous ones. With a 13-4 record, a 3.05 ERA, and 190 strikeouts in 153.1 innings, he once again led the Brewers to a winning record.

Another All-Star selection in the cards?

Woodruff is expected to be the ace of the Brewers staff in 2023, and will face new challenges with the MLB rule changes that will take effect next season. He is off to a strong start in 2023, as he has a 1-0 record with a 0.79 ERA and 12 strikeouts in his first two starts. He is among the league leaders in several pitching categories, and is on pace to make his third All-Star appearance.

Finally…

Woodruff is one of the most talented and consistent pitchers in baseball today, and he has become a fan favorite in Milwaukee. He has overcome several challenges and injuries throughout his career, and he has always shown resilience and determination. He is a leader on and off the field, and he is always looking to improve his game and help his team win. Woodruff is a prime example of what it takes to be an All-Star pitcher.