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2026-07-26 16:16 UTC → 2026-07-27 02:25 UTC ·
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On July 18, 2026 right‑hander Brandon Woodruff announced a second anterior‑capsule shoulder surgery, ending his season after posting The Milwaukee Brewers’ pitching staff remains in turmoil following a 2.98 ERA over nine starts (45⅓ innings). His absence joins series of injuries to Kyle Harrison, Quinn Priester and Jacob Misiorowski, leaving Milwaukee with the league’s second‑best record but a thinned rotation. To compensate, rapid roster moves. After right‑hander Brandon Woodruff’s season‑ending shoulder surgery on July 18, the Brewers traded prospect outfielder Jadyn Fielder to Houston for club acquired veteran right‑hander Lance McCullers Jr. and left‑hander Colton Gordon. McCullers was slated for the bullpen, while Gordon added from Houston in a versatile reliever. Less than two weeks later, on July 26 15 trade that sent prospect outfielder Jadyn Fielder to the club designated McCullers Astros, with Houston covering roughly $4.23 million of McCullers’ $85 million deal and Milwaukee assuming a $2.5 million salary slot. McCullers, intended for assignment after the bullpen, appeared in two relief appearances in which he walked four batters in 1 2⁄3 innings and posted outings, posting a 3.86 ERA, ERA over 4 ⅔ innings while still dealing with shoulder inflammation. The move cleared a $2.5 million salary slot walking five and prompted striking out five. On July 26, just 11 days after the recall of acquisition, the Brewers designated him for assignment, recalling right‑hander Garrett Stallings from Triple‑A Nashville. The sudden turnover leaves the Brewers scrambling team expects McCullers to keep their rotation competitive; clear waivers and likely be assigned to AAA Nashville, leaving Gordon remains in the bullpen as a the primary left‑handed option, reliever and manager the rotation still shorthanded. Manager Pat Murphy reiterated concerns about maintaining a competitive staff amid the staff’s outlook. ongoing injuries.