ALCS Game 3 Showdown: Mariners’ Kirby Set to Battle Jays’ Bieber

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ALCS Game 3 Showdown: Mariners’ Kirby Set to Battle Jays’ Bieber

In the upcoming Game 3 of the AL Championship Series, Mariners’ pitcher George Kirby is set to face off against the Blue Jays’ Shane Bieber. This matchup takes place on Wednesday in Seattle.

Pitching Matchup: Kirby vs. Bieber

George Kirby, a right-hander for the Mariners, has been effective in the postseason. He recently pitched in Game 5 against the Tigers, where he recorded six strikeouts while allowing only one run on three hits over five innings. Earlier in the division series, he also started against the Tigers, giving up two runs and six hits in five innings.

  • Kirby’s 2025 regular season performance:
    • Record: 10 wins, 8 losses
    • ERA: 4.21
    • Games Started: 23

Notably, Kirby has not faced the Blue Jays this season. His manager, Dan Wilson, anticipates additional pitching depth for the upcoming games. He mentioned that Luis Castillo is likely to start Game 4, with Bryan Woo possibly pitching in a potential Game 5.

Player Updates: Bryan Woo’s Status

Woo has been recovering from pectoral inflammation and has not pitched since September 19. Wilson provided an optimistic assessment of Woo after a live batting practice session on Monday.

  • Woo’s 2025 regular season performance:
    • Record: 15 wins, 7 losses
    • ERA: 2.94
    • Strikeouts: 198 across 186⅔ innings

Wilson noted, “If Woo feels better tomorrow, we’ll be optimistic about his potential contributions later in the series.”

Shane Bieber’s Recent Performance

Shane Bieber, the Blue Jays’ ace and 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner, also faces challenges. In Game 3 of the division series against the Yankees, he allowed three runs, two earned, over 2⅔ innings, contributing to a 9-6 loss for Toronto. After joining the Blue Jays in a trade from Cleveland, he has not faced the Mariners this year.

  • Bieber’s 2025 statistics:
    • Record: 4 wins, 2 losses
    • ERA: 3.57
    • Starts: 7 since returning from elbow surgery

The matchup between Kirby and Bieber could be pivotal as the AL Championship Series continues, with both teams vying for an edge in this crucial playoff round.