The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are one series away from making franchise history, with both teams chasing their first World Series championship. Luckily, the road to a title won't be complicated by injuries, as only several players remain unavailable or face uncertainty heading into the Fall Classic.
Milwaukee and Tampa Bay have built their postseason runs with depth and contributions from across their rosters. Still, losing some key pieces can become a major problem over a seven-game series, especially when pitching decisions and bullpen availability can determine the outcome of a championship.
Here are the key injured players who could miss the World Series and how their absences might affect their respective teams.
Rays: Shane McClanahan's absence looms large
Shane McClanahan — Out
The Rays will enter the World Series without one of their most important starting pitchers. McClanahan has been sidelined with left forearm tightness, leaving Tampa Bay without a familiar presence in its rotation.
His absence is particularly frustrating given the importance of starting pitching in October. A healthy McClanahan would give the Rays another established arm capable of handling a difficult assignment against Milwaukee's lineup. Instead, Tampa Bay must continue relying on the pitchers who carried it through the American League playoffs.
The Rays have demonstrated that they can win without him, but losing a pitcher of McClanahan's caliber limits their options. If the series stretches to six or seven games, having another trusted starter could have made a difference.
Edwin Uceta — 60-day injured list
Uceta's absence limits Tampa Bay's bullpen options. Relief pitching can make or break a World Series, particularly when managers must navigate high-leverage situations late in close games.
Without Uceta, the Rays have one fewer option when trying to protect a narrow lead or escape a difficult inning. Tampa Bay's remaining relievers will need to handle those assignments, potentially placing additional pressure on the bullpen's most frequently used arms.
Gavin Lux — 60-day injured list
Lux's shoulder injury has kept him sidelined for the entire season. The Rays won't add him to the roster after being out for so long.
Brewers: Brandon Woodruff's status is the biggest question
Brandon Woodruff — 60-day injured list
Woodruff's situation is arguably the most difficult one for Milwaukee to navigate.
The veteran right-hander has been a central figure in the Brewers' rotation for years, making his absence disappointing as the franchise approaches its biggest series of all time. A healthy Woodruff would provide valuable experience and another option for a pitching staff preparing to face Tampa Bay.
However, Milwaukee faces a difficult decision. Woodruff has been working toward a potential return, but his surgically repaired shoulder remains a concern. The Brewers must weigh the possible benefit of adding him to the roster against the risk that he could suffer a setback.
World Series rosters do not offer much room for mistakes. If Milwaukee activates Woodruff and he cannot pitch, the team could be stuck without an easy way to replace him. That makes the decision more complicated than simply determining whether he is healthy enough to take the mound.
Article Continues BelowIt would be a shame for Woodruff to miss another opportunity to contribute to a championship run, but Milwaukee must prioritize the health of its pitcher and the team's chances of winning.
Quinn Priester — 60-day injured list
Priester is expected to remain unavailable after undergoing season-ending surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. His absence removes another starting-pitching option from Milwaukee's plans.
Angel Zerpa — 60-day injured list
Zerpa will also miss the World Series after undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left elbow. The left-handed reliever was acquired from the Kansas City Royals to strengthen Milwaukee's bullpen, but his injury ended his season in April.
Grant Anderson — Status requires an update
Anderson was previously placed on the 15-day injured list with a biceps issue, but he was activated in late September. His availability for the World Series should be confirmed rather than treating him as a definite absence.