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Minor injuries mean a few fan favorites haven’t been quite game-ready for Week 1 of spring training. Not to worry; they should be healthy by Opening Day. Here’s a quick rundown:
Devin Williams
No setbacks for Devin Williams but it will be a bit before he pitches in a game -- post-March 17 off-day, Craig Counsell said. That still gets Williams ready by Opening Day on April 1.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) March 3, 2021
Remember when not-yet Rookie of the Year Devin Williams was scratched from the best-of-three Wild Card series against the Dodgers? At the time, the injury was severe enough to sideline the impact player for some critical games. Williams has since been rehabbing. He received a full medical clearance back in October 2020. To say Williams is a promising reliever is an understatement. His just barely non-zero ERA in 2020, his infamous Airbender, and his mindset and trajectory make Williams arguably the best reliever in baseball. The Brewers are cautiously scheduling his return to prevent more severe injury. Williams has pitched in a few bullpen sessions during spring training. He won’t see Cactus League action until after the March 17 off day but should be available to pitch on Opening Day.
Lorenzo Cain
Lorenzo Cain is dealing with a quad injury, according to sources familiar with the situation. One source described it as tightness and “very minor,” but the Brewers will likely be cautious ramping him back up.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) March 4, 2021
The Brewers will practice caution bringing Cain back to gameplay after what appears to be a “very minor” quad injury. Cain only played in only five games before opting out of the 2020 season, which is more reason for caution. The addition of Jackie Bradley Jr. will likely help manage the 35-year-old centerfielder’s playing time, though Craig Counsell has already confirmed that Cain will start at the position.
Brandon Woodruff
Brandon Woodruff is pitching to hitters today in a camp game or some kind of sim. He had a little back stiffness earlier in the week but appears back on track.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) March 4, 2021
Brandon Woodruff began Week 1 of spring training with back stiffness but appears on his way back to game action. Woodruff held up well while throwing outside of a game scenario on Thursday and should be more than ready for April 1. If Woodruff gets the Opening Day rotation spot, it will make him the Brewers’ first consecutive Opening Day starter since Yovani Gallardo in 2014.