The Milwaukee Brewers are heading to the World Series for the first time since 1982 after overcoming a four-run deficit to complete their sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Milwaukee’s pitching staff controlled the National League Championship Series, limiting Los Angeles to 11 total runs in four games.

Right-hander Brandon Woodruff hopes to join the World Series roster despite not pitching since July 4 against the Arizona Diamondbacks because of right shoulder inflammation.

After Milwaukee’s series-clinching victory, Woodruff said that keeping him off the roster would be difficult.

Woodruff expects discussions during the coming days and understands that he must progress to facing live hitters. The time before the World Series gives him an opportunity to continue preparing.

He remains confident that he can contribute regardless of whether he has thrown only one pitch in two months or completed 10 rehabilitation outings. Woodruff believes he can perform and hopes Milwaukee gives him that opportunity.

“It’s gonna be hard to keep me off that roster,” Woodruff told Curt Hogg from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel after the Brewers’ win.

“We’ll have this conversation especially in the next few days. … I need to get to the point where I can face some live hitters, and now that we’ve got some time here, it’s good.

“I’ve always believed in myself. It doesn’t matter if I’m throwing one pitch in two months or ten rehab outings," Woodruff continued. "I don’t care. I feel like I can go out there and do it. I hope I get that opportunity.”

Woodruff began the season healthy and made six starts through April before landing on the Injured List with shoulder inflammation.

He returned June 22 and made three more starts, lowering his ERA to 2.98 in 45.1 innings over nine starts.

The inflammation persisted, sending him back to the Injured List on July 5.

Woodruff avoided another shoulder operation after previously undergoing surgery in October 2023. However, he did not appear in a rehabilitation game before the minor league season ended and was throwing only on flat ground two weeks ago.

Given his progression, Woodruff would not start during the World Series, and Milwaukee does not need him in that role.

Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson and Robert Gasser gave up five runs (three earned) in 14.1 innings during Games 1 through 3.

Milwaukee used Shane Drohan as the opener Thursday. Drohan and Dustin May allowed four earned runs in four innings before JoJo Romero and Aaron Ashby combined for five scoreless innings.

Ashby delivered 6.2 scoreless innings over three series appearances with two saves and one hold.

If activated, Woodruff would likely pitch in low-leverage relief situations. His return would still create an uplifting story for Milwaukee’s longest-tenured player.

Woodruff’s last postseason appearance came against the Atlanta Braves during the 2021 National League Division Series.

He finished 2025 on the Injured List with a right lat strain and missed Milwaukee’s National League Championship Series run, which ended with a sweep by the Dodgers.

Woodruff is approaching free agency and should attract interest because of his record when healthy. Among starting pitchers seeking rebound opportunities, he may offer the highest upside.

His determination to return reflects his loyalty, confidence and competitiveness. Woodruff is not demanding an important role. He simply wants an opportunity to contribute after injuries kept him away from Milwaukee’s recent postseason runs.