Why All-Star Pitcher Could Miss Brewers World Series Roster Despite Being in 'Good Spot' amid Injury

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff might not receive a spot on the team's World Series roster.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Brewers are fearful that an injury to Woodruff would prevent them from replacing him on their roster due to MLB rules that may determine a health issue as pre-exisiting.

"The rule states a player on a postseason roster can be replaced only if he suffers an acute, non-chronic injury or ailment," Rosenthal reported Tuesday. "The Brewers' fear with Woodruff, according to club officials briefed on his situation, is that any injury he suffers might be viewed as recurring or pre-existing, making the team unable to add another pitcher in his place."

Woodruff hasn't pitched since July 4 due to right shoulder inflammation , but wanted a spot on Milwaukee's World Series roster following its NLCS sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"It's gonna be hard to keep me off that roster," Woodruff told Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (h/t Rosenthal).

"I'm going to do everything I can. I'm in a good spot. It means a lot to me," he added. "… I've always believed in myself. It doesn't matter if I've thrown one pitch in two months or if I have 10 rehab outings. I don't care. I feel like I can go out there and do it. I hope I get that opportunity."

The two-time All-Star faced Brewers hitters on Tuesday as he attempts to make his return.

Woodruff made nine starts for Milwaukee during the regular season, owning a 2-2 record to go along with a 2.98 ERA and 0.838 WHIP. He racked up 47 strikeouts compared to 10 walks in 45.1 innings of work.

The Brewers will need to make a decision regarding Woodruff's roster status ahead of Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday.