Woo, Mariners’ Ace with Muscle Inflammation

Bryan Woo, Mariners’ Star Pitcher, Questionable Due to Inflammation

HOUSTON – Seattle Mariners star pitcher Bryan Woo has been diagnosed with inflammation in his pectoral muscle. Manager Dan Wilson indicated that Woo’s situation is uncertain as the team approaches the end of the regular season.

“The MRI revealed a slight inflammation in his pectoral,” Wilson said. “Really, it’s something day-to-day. We will continue to evaluate him every day, and we will know more in the next 24 to 48 hours, depending on how he responds (to treatment).”

Dan Wilson, Mariners Manager

There are no concrete plans for Woo to make its next scheduled opening, nor is it known when it might try to relaunch. “Obviously, he’ll want to get out (on the mound) as soon as possible,” Wilson added. Woo threw five scoreless innings against the Astros on Friday night, but after returning to the dugout at the end of the fifth inning, he informed the Seattle staff that he felt tightness. As Woo went out to warm up to pitch the bottom of the sixth, there was already a reliever warming up in the Seattle bullpen, just in case. After three light warm-up pitches, Woo left the mound and was immediately accompanied out of the dugout by a trainer. The Mariners’ rotation could be one of the best and deepest among teams vying for a playoff spot, and Woo has been the most consistent and durable pitcher in the group. This season, Woo has an ERA of 2.94 in 30 starts, allowing only 137 hits in 186 2/3 innings, earning him a spot on the American League All-Star team. Woo’s performance against the Astros was typical of his season, with the right-hander throwing 96-97 mph fastballs at the top of the strike zone and breaking pitches that moved away from the plate. He allowed one hit and struck out seven in five innings, before the pectoral issue arose.

“He’s had an incredible season, in terms of health,” Wilson said, before mentioning Woo’s streak of pitching at least six innings in his first 25 starts this season. “This is a guy who has found a great mental space to go to, and that’s been a big key for him, and if he gets there, he’s very tough.”

Dan Wilson, Mariners Manager

The Mariners hope he will be healthy enough to return to pitching in the final week of the regular season and in the postseason. Seattle began Saturday’s game leading the Astros in the American League West Division by one game.