With the 2026 MLB regular season opening on March 26 at home against the Chicago White Sox, the Milwaukee Brewers are set to play their first Opening Day game at home since 2021. Thanks to the retractable roof at their stadium, bad weather will not affect the scheduled game. However, the identity of the Brewers’ Opening Day starting pitcher remains unresolved, as the team adjusts to significant roster changes and player health uncertainties.
After trading Freddy Peralta, who pitched the first game for Milwaukee in the last two seasons, the Brewers are left searching for a reliable Opening Day starter. Brandon Woodruff appears to be the top contender for this role. At 33 and entering his ninth MLB season, Woodruff returned to the Brewers by accepting the qualifying offer during the offseason, aiming for a full and healthy 2026 campaign.
Brandon Woodruff’s Recovery Progress and Spring Training Approach
This spring, Woodruff is cautiously reintroducing himself to competitive pitching. His recovery follows a major shoulder surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, along with a lat injury in September that slowed his offseason training schedule. These setbacks have cast doubt over his readiness to start on Opening Day for the first time since 2021, creating a significant question mark for the Brewers’ pitching staff.
In a recent interview following his bullpen session, Brewers beat writer Adam McCalvy shared updates on Woodruff’s early spring work. Woodruff himself emphasized the importance of focusing on overall health rather than rushing to start the first game of the season.
Opening Day isn’t the target for Brandon Woodruff. A healthy season is. He threw about 25 pitches in a sim game this morning.
?Adam McCalvy, MLB.com Brewers beat writer
When asked if prioritizing health affects his ability to pitch on Opening Day, Woodruff responded:
I think it’s too early to say right now,
indicating that his status remains fluid as he rebuilds strength and arm conditioning.
Potential Scenarios for Woodruff’s Role at the Start of 2026
Woodruff’s current progress keeps him close to his peers in Spring Training, and if he can participate in game action within the next week, he could still meet the typical timeline to be available on Opening Day. However, the priority for Woodruff and the Brewers is ensuring he remains healthy for the long haul, especially with the postseason in mind after missing Milwaukee’s last three playoff trips.
Though starting Opening Day is often viewed as a prestigious milestone, the Brewers and Woodruff acknowledge that it is just one game. The focus is on being ready when it matters most — during October’s playoffs. Delaying Woodruff’s season debut by a few weeks could enhance his chances of contributing in critical postseason games, which would ultimately benefit both the team and the player.
It remains possible that Woodruff will take the mound on March 26 if all goes according to plan. Yet if any doubt arises from either Woodruff or the Brewers’ coaching staff about his readiness, a cautious approach may be chosen to extend his recovery timeline to maximize his availability in crucial moments later in the year.
Implications for the Brewers’ Pitching Staff and Season Outlook
Woodruff’s opening day uncertainty highlights the broader challenges facing Milwaukee as they adapt to personnel changes and injury recoveries entering the new season. The Brewers’ ability to navigate these obstacles will influence their rotation’s depth and overall competitiveness. While fans may feel disappointment at the possibility of missing Woodruff’s presence on Opening Day, the organization’s strategic patience underscores their commitment to long-term success rather than a single game’s spotlight.
As Spring Training progresses, close monitoring of Woodruff’s health and performance will shape Milwaukee’s early-season pitching plans. Whether Woodruff starts on Opening Day or a few weeks later, the emphasis remains on his preparedness for a sustained run, culminating in postseason contributions—a critical goal for both the veteran right-hander and the Brewers franchise.
Opening Day isn’t the target for Brandon Woodruff. A healthy season is. He threw about 25 pitches in a sim game this morning. pic.twitter.com/SP6MCSpT0f
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) February 23, 2026
