Bryan Woo Excluded from Mariners ALDS Roster: What It Means for the Team
Mariners’ Bryan Woo Excluded from AL Division Series Roster: What This Means for Seattle
Right-handed pitcher Bryan Woo will not be on the Seattle Mariners’ roster for the American League Division Series (ALDS), as confirmed by Emegypt’s Adam Jude. Despite this setback, the Mariners remain hopeful that Woo will return for the American League Championship Series (ALCS) should they advance further in the playoffs.
Woo’s absence is particularly significant given his impressive performance throughout the 2025 season. The 24-year-old pitcher has been a reliable contributor, leading the Mariners in multiple pitching categories, including wins above replacement (fWAR), innings pitched, and earned run average (ERA). However, his postseason availability has been uncertain since September 19 when he exited a game after five innings due to pectoral tightness.
Seattle’s Cautious Approach to Woo’s Injury
Although the Mariners did not place Woo on the 15-day injured list, they opted for a cautious approach, signaling that the injury might not be severe. The decision to shut him down in late September was viewed as a strategic move to maintain his health as Seattle secured a playoff berth by winning the AL West.
Woo’s Performance and Impact on the Team
Woo had a stellar season, compiling a fWAR of 3.6, pitching 186 2/3 innings with an impressive ERA of 2.94. His statistics demonstrate his value to the team:
- Innings Pitched: 186 2/3
- ERA: 2.94
- Strikeout Rate: 27.1%
- Walk Rate: 4.5%
Additionally, Woo was named an All-Star in 2025, solidifying his role as a front-line pitcher for the Mariners. Unfortunately, this pectoral injury could jeopardize the conclusion of his breakout season.
Mariners’ Pitching Rotation and Game Strategy
As the Mariners head into their postseason matchup against the Detroit Tigers, they have named George Kirby as the Game 1 starter, with Luis Castillo set to take the mound for Game 2. While the starting pitcher for Game 3 is yet to be confirmed, Logan Gilbert is the likely candidate. Should the series extend to Game 4, Bryce Miller may be called upon. The Mariners are expected to adopt an all-hands-on-deck strategy if they find themselves facing elimination.
| Game | Starting Pitcher |
|---|---|
| Game 1 | George Kirby |
| Game 2 | Luis Castillo |
| Game 3 | Logan Gilbert (likely) |
| Game 4 | Bryce Miller (if necessary) |
Rookie Contributions and Additional News
The Mariners are set to announce their full ALDS roster later today, but reports indicate that rookie catcher Harry Ford and rookie infielder Ben Williamson have made the team. Williamson’s inclusion adds depth at third base, especially if Eugenio Suarez moves to first base.
Complicating matters is the uncertainty surrounding Josh Naylor’s availability beyond Game 1, as he may take paternity leave following the expected birth of his first child with wife Chantel. As the Mariners navigate this crucial playoff series, the focus will remain on overcoming challenges and ensuring peak performance on the field.
