What's Happening?
Bryan Woo, the Seattle Mariners' All-Star starter, has been left off the roster for the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Detroit Tigers. Woo has not fully recovered from a pectoral injury sustained during a game against the Houston Astros on September 19. The Mariners will start George Kirby and Luis Castillo in the first two games, with Logan Gilbert expected to pitch Game 3. Woo's absence means Bryce Miller will be the fourth member of the rotation, potentially serving in the bullpen as well. Woo had a standout season, going 15-7 with a 2.94 ERA, but will miss at least the first round of the playoffs.
Why It's Important?
Bryan Woo's exclusion from the ALDS roster is a significant setback for the Mariners, who are entering the playoffs without one of their key pitchers. Woo's performance has been instrumental in the team's success, and his absence could affect their ability to compete effectively against the Tigers. The Mariners will need to rely on their remaining pitchers to fill the void left by Woo, which could challenge their depth and adaptability. The team's ability to advance in the playoffs may hinge on how well they can compensate for Woo's absence.
What's Next?
The Mariners hope to have Bryan Woo available for the AL Championship Series if they advance past the ALDS. Woo has been making progress in his recovery, having recently completed a bullpen session and a simulated inning. The team will continue to assess his condition and readiness for future games. In the meantime, the Mariners will focus on their current roster and strategy to overcome the Tigers in the best-of-five series.
