Mississippi State Professional Athletes

Mississippi State's fingerprints are all over October baseball — from a potential comeback story in Milwaukee to a timely multi-hit performance in Pittsburgh.

Brandon Woodruff's Long Road Back

The most compelling Bulldog story of the week isn't on the field — yet. Brandon Woodruff, the Brewers' pitcher who has been sidelined for an extended stretch, announced an update ahead of Milwaukee's NLDS matchup against the San Diego Padres, signaling that a return may still be in play this postseason.

Woodruff has been working through a methodical recovery process, and sources indicate he's hit positive milestones in recent weeks — including a significant step forward in his throwing program. The Brewers have kept the door open for him, though the path back remains a difficult one given the timing and the high-stakes nature of October baseball.

Adding a layer of complexity: Woodruff is among the Milwaukee players set to hit free agency this offseason. That makes every bullpen session and every team update carry double weight — the Brewers need him now, and his next contract could hinge on whether he can prove his health on the biggest stage.

If he takes the mound in this NLDS, it would be one of the better comeback narratives of this postseason. For now, Bulldog fans are watching and waiting.

Mangum Delivers in Pittsburgh

While Woodruff's story plays out in the background, Jake Mangum offered something more immediate on Sunday: a 2-for-4 performance with an RBI as the Pirates beat the Tigers 4-2.

Mangum — the outfielder who rewrote Mississippi State's all-time hits record before going pro — is hitting .276 on the season, and his contribution was part of a balanced Pirates offensive effort that saw multiple players drive in runs. It wasn't a flashy box score, but for a Pittsburgh team grinding through the final stretch, Mangum's consistency in the lineup has been exactly what the club needs from a depth piece.

At .276, he's proven he belongs at this level, and this week's performance was a clean reminder that the Bulldogs' development pipeline continues to produce serviceable major leaguers.

The Bigger Picture

Mississippi State's alumni footprint across MLB is substantial — dozens of former Bulldogs are on active rosters league-wide. This week, it's Woodruff and Mangum who are carrying the Maroon and White into October conversations, one through the weight of expectation, the other through the quiet work of getting the job done.

Whether Woodruff makes it back to face the Padres will be the story to follow. But don't sleep on Mangum quietly raking in Pittsburgh.

The Moment Bulldog Nation Has Been Waiting For

Brandon Woodruff's 2026 season — and possibly his future with the Brewers — is coming down to a shoulder evaluation that will determine whether the Mississippi State alum and Milwaukee ace can return to the mound before the year is out.

Woodruff announced a significant update during the Brewers' series against the Philadelphia Phillies, signaling that the evaluation process is actively underway. According to reporting from both Sports Illustrated and Heavy Sports, progress has been made in his recovery, but whether that progress is enough to clear him for a mound return in 2026 remains the central question hanging over Milwaukee's pitching staff. The Brewers have yet to commit to a timeline, and the shoulder test results will be the deciding factor.

For Bulldog fans, it's a tense watch. Woodruff has long been Mississippi State's most prominent MLB product — a legitimate frontline starter whose injury absence has been felt all season. A favorable evaluation could set up a late-season return or at minimum provide clarity heading into the offseason. An unfavorable one would extend one of the more painful injury sagas in recent Brewers history.

---

Foscue and Mangum Stay Productive Down the Stretch

While Woodruff's health dominates the headline, two other MSU alumni are quietly putting together solid finishes to their seasons.

Rangers second baseman Justin Foscue closed out the week batting .272–.274, collecting hits in three of his four appearances between September 20 and 26. His most impactful outing came Thursday, September 24, when he contributed a hit and a run in Texas's 3-1 win over the Mets. With the Rangers navigating a late-season stretch, Foscue has been a steady presence in the middle of the infield.

Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum has been equally consistent. The left fielder is holding a .273–.279 average across the week, notching hits in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday against Detroit. His Sunday appearance against Kansas City also featured a walk as Pittsburgh pushed across four runs in a tight ballgame.

Also worth noting: Adam Frazier delivered for the Angels on Sunday, going 1-for-the-day with two RBI in a 6-5 win over Minnesota, keeping his average at .240 in what has been a resurgent stretch for the veteran infielder.

---

Ginn Hits a Roadblock in Oakland

On the injury front, J.T. Ginn's season took a quiet but significant turn. The Athletics transferred the Mississippi State right-hander to the 60-day injured list to clear a 40-man roster spot as part of a series of roster moves. Ginn had already been sidelined, and the 60-day designation effectively ends his 2026 season in Oakland.

It's a tough coda for Ginn, who has battled to establish himself at the big-league level. With roster decisions looming this offseason, his path forward in the organization will be worth monitoring.

The week offered a full range of the Bulldog experience in MLB — a franchise ace at a crossroads, a pair of contributors grinding out meaningful plate appearances, and a young arm running out of time on the calendar. For Mississippi State fans, there's plenty to follow as the regular season draws to a close.