Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Milwaukee Brewers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
In this week’s Reacts survey, we’re asking fans which injured pitcher’s return you’re most looking forward to seeing.
Tobias Myers is the soonest to return among Milwaukee’s starting rotation options, as he’s slated to make his season debut on Thursday against the Giants. The 26-year-old righty had a solid rookie season after joining the rotation in the late spring, pitching to a 3.00 ERA and 3.91 FIP across 138 innings with 127 strikeouts. He’ll likely fill the spot vacated by Logan Henderson, who was sent back to Triple-A Nashville after a strong debut Sunday.
Brandon Woodruff, who missed all of 2024 with a shoulder injury, is probably the most exciting name here due to his lengthy track record of success. Across seven seasons with Milwaukee, he’s accumulated 16.7 bWAR with a 3.10 ERA, 3.19 FIP, and 788 strikeouts spanning 680 1⁄3 innings. After not pitching in the majors for so long, he’ll likely be on a highly restricted pitch count for 2025. He’s expected to return in May.
Aaron Ashby is one of those guys who just hasn’t quite panned out after what looked like a promising start to his career. He’s only totaled 167 1⁄3 innings over three seasons, with a 4.20 ERA, 3.76 FIP, and 198 strikeouts. After getting 19 starts in 2022, he transitioned into more of a reliever last season, pitching to a 2.86 ERA and 2.81 FIP over 28 1⁄3 innings in 14 appearances (two starts). He should also be back in May.
DL Hall, who opened the season on the IL with a lat strain, is on the 60-day IL and is therefore ineligible to return until late May. Acquired in the Corbin Burnes trade, Hall showed flashes of potential last year but ultimately had a disappointing season, pitching to a 4.74 ERA and 4.68 FIP with 44 strikeouts across 43 innings.
Lastly, Nestor Cortes, brought over in the Devin Williams trade, had a terrible Brewers debut before turning in a strong second outing, but he then was sent to the IL with elbow pain. The 2022 All-Star was moved to the 60-day IL yesterday, meaning he’ll be out until at least mid-June, but he’ll likely be a key add (just as Williams was in 2024) to the Brewers right around the All-Star break.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing on the hill for the Brewers in the coming weeks and months? Answer the poll below and stay tuned for results later this week!
This week’s Reacts brought to you by FanDuel.
