Brandon Woodruff, the Milwaukee Brewers' ace, is set to face live batters for the first time in over a year as he progresses in his recovery from shoulder surgery. This pivotal moment marks a significant step in his rehabilitation journey after missing the entire 2024 season. Despite the long layoff, Woodruff expressed confidence in his health, stating he feels good and is ready to take things slow to ensure a full recovery.

The Brewers are optimistic about Woodruff's return, with manager Pat Murphy noting that he's in a good spot. However, the team remains cautious, indicating that while he is healthy, he needs to ease back into his pitching routine. In contrast, left-hander DL Hall faces a setback with a lat strain that will delay his spring training participation, potentially jeopardizing his spot in the opening day rotation.