The Seattle Mariners have been eagerly awaiting the return of Bryan Woo, and the timing couldn’t be more crucial.
Since suffering a pectoral injury on September 19, the All-Star right-hander has been working hard to get back in time to contribute to the team’s playoff push. Now on the American League Championship Series roster after missing the Division Series, Woo has yet to make his postseason debut.
During both of Seattle’s losses to the Toronto Blue Jays at T-Mobile Park this week, Woo was spotted loosening up in the bullpen as early as the third inning. However, he still hasn’t taken the mound—and with just a few games remaining, his window to make an impact is quickly closing.
Bryan Woo available for Game 5
On Thursday night, following Seattle’s 8-2 loss to the Blue Jays in Game 4, manager Dan Wilson revealed that Bryce Miller—not Bryan Woo—would start Game 5 on Friday. Woo, however, will be available from the bullpen, and Wilson hinted that there’s a strong chance he’ll see action at some point.
“We did use bullpen guys tonight, but they were very well rested again,” Wilson said, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. “So I think that we’re still in good shape in terms of our bullpen, and also we have Bryan down there as well, and we’ll utilize him when the time is right.”
Woo threw a 25-pitch live batting practice session on Monday, meaning a return to full game action will be challenging, and he’ll likely be limited to just a few innings. Still, having been the Mariners’ top starter for nearly the entire regular season, the team is eager to get him on the mound.
“Getting him in a game will also allow us to just kind of see how he is and where he’s at,” Wilson added, per Kramer. “That’s important, too. We kind of have to wait and see how these games develop and what happens. Again, we’re excited to find a spot for him and get him out there.”
With Game 5 scheduled for a quick turnaround at 3:08 p.m. PT, Woo could enter early depending on how Miller performs.
