Bryan Woo Misses American League Division Series
Bryan Woo, the Mariners’ star opener, will not be on the team’s roster for the American League Division Series. This indicates that he has not yet fully recovered from a pectoral injury.
The Mariners will start with George Kirby and Luis Castillo in the first two games against the Detroit Tigers. Logan Gilbert is expected to be the starter in Game 3 as a visitor. Woo’s absence means that Bryce Miller will act as the fourth member of the rotation in the best-of-five series, although he could also be used from the bullpen.
Woo, 25, had a standout season this year, with a 15-7 record and a 2.94 ERA in 30 starts. However, he exited his September 19 start in Houston after a few warm-up pitches at the start of the sixth inning and was diagnosed with inflammation in his right pectoral.
The Mariners, who won the American League West Division for the first time in 24 years and earned a bye to the first round, hoped Woo could recover for the start of the playoffs, but he will miss at least the first round.
Woo took a big step on Thursday, throwing a higher-intensity bullpen session and then throwing a simulated inning against Mariners hitters. Afterward, he expressed optimism about his progress, telling reporters: “I’m still not where I want to be in terms of the game speed of everything. But in terms of how everything has progressed, I’m happy, considering that a week ago I wasn’t even throwing. And within a week, I hope we’ll be in a better place.”
The Mariners are hoping Woo will be available for the American League Championship Series, should they advance.
