Mariners’ Bryan Woo Excluded from ALDS Roster Due to Injury

SEATTLE, WA — The Seattle Mariners will start their American League Division Series without ace pitcher Bryan Woo, who has been left off the team’s 26-man roster due to pectoral inflammation. This decision comes as the Mariners prepare to face the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night.

Woo, 25, has not pitched since September 19, when he exited a game in Houston after five shutout innings. Although he had a bullpen session earlier this week, Woo admitted he is not yet ready for competitive play. “A positive day,” Woo said after his recent throwing session. “I’m still not where I want to be in terms of game speed of everything, but I’m happy with how everything’s progressed. Considering a week ago, I wasn’t even throwing yet. Hopefully, we’ll be in a better spot a week from now.”

This season, Woo had a standout performance for the Mariners, finishing with a 15-7 record and a 2.94 ERA over 30 starts. He was celebrated as a first-time All-Star and struck out 198 batters, earning a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 5.50. His 3.21 career ERA ranks as the best in franchise history among pitchers with at least 70 starts.

Due to postseason roster rules, if Woo had to be replaced in the roster because of injury, he would be ineligible to play in the next series if the Mariners advance. The team is taking a cautious approach given his importance to both the current playoffs and the long-term health of the franchise.

The Mariners will begin their playoff run at T-Mobile Park, with George Kirby starting Game 1 and Luis Castillo slated for Game 2. Woo expressed confidence in his teammates, noting, “I’ll do my stuff when I get to the field and have all the faith in our pitchers, both starters and relievers, to do the job like they have all year.”

Game 1 of the Mariners vs. Tigers ALDS is set for 8:38 p.m. ET on Saturday.