#bryanwoo

As the Seattle Mariners prepare for their American League Division Series matchup with Detroit, one key question looms large: can their ace, Bryan Woo, contribute? Woo is currently recovering from pectoral inflammation sustained in his September 19 start against Houston, and although he’s taken positive steps in rehab, his participation in the postseason remains unresolved.

Injury Timeline: From Dominance to Discomfort

Woo had been a revelation in 2025 — consistent, deep into starts, reliable. But on September 19, during a game against the Astros, he exited early. It came not from hittable bats, but from his own body: while warming up for the sixth inning, Woo reportedly felt tightness in his right pectoral. He left the mound, and the team later diagnosed mild inflammation in the pectoral muscle.

That injury altered more than just one start. For Woo and for Seattle, it raised real concerns about his ability to pitch in October. The Mariners entered their postseason series with plans contingent on Woo’s health — and he’s been walking a fine line since.

Signs of Progress: Throwing, Simulations & Confidence

In the days since, Woo has incrementally progressed. He threw about 25 warmup pitches, followed by a 15-pitch simulated game (non-swinging hitters) at T-Mobile Park — a controlled but meaningful step. He described it as “a positive day,” though admitted he’s not yet at full game speed.

Manager Dan Wilson and team sources remain optimistic. Wilson has publicly stated Seattle expects Woo to be on the ALDS roster, though likely not to start until later in the series — possibly as soon as Game 3. The team is cautious, however: Woo must throw multiple bullpen sessions before being cleared for a postseason start.

The Stakes: What Woo Means to the Mariners

Woo’s absence or limited availability could reverberate throughout Seattle’s postseason strategy. He posted a 15–7 record with a 2.94 ERA over 186⅔ innings in the regular season — numbers that indicate both durability and dominance.

Losing his presence in the rotation, especially in high-leverage games, would force Seattle to shuffle starter assignments. Candidates to fill could include Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, or George Kirby, depending on rest, matchup, and home/away splits.

Moreover, his potential absence magnifies bullpen responsibilities, depth decisions, and roster design. Seattle may consider delaying his usage to mid-series to maximize his impact while minimizing risk.

Risks & Doubts Still Hanging

Game speed vs. health: Woo’s throws have not yet matched full, competitive intensity. Simulations don’t replicate full stress — so the gap between rehab and meaningful innings is real.

Re-injury concerns: Pectoral muscles are involved in so much of the pitching motion (drive, pull, rotational torque). If care isn’t taken, recurrence is possible.

Timing & bullpen burden: If Woo isn’t available through Games 1 and 2, other starters take early workload — possibly thinning the pitching staff later.

Psychological edge: While Woo pushes through, the Mariners must balance optimism with pragmatism — overestimating his readiness could backfire.

What to Watch & What Might Happen

Roster submission: Seattle must finalize its ALDS roster by Saturday morning. His inclusion would indicate significant confidence.

Official Game 1 starter announcement: Likely Friday, and Woo is not expected to start early games.

Bullpen sessions & velocity data: How high his pitch counts go, how his velocity holds up, whether he reports discomfort — all signs.

Usage strategy: If Woo is used, will Seattle slot him for Game 3? Or risk earlier deployment?

Alternative starters: How the club decides between Gilbert, Castillo, Kirby (or even younger arms) will reflect how much faith they place in Woo.

Woo’s status for the ALDS isn’t merely a medical question. It’s a tactical one. Can Seattle rely on its ace, or will they need to adapt midseries? In postseason theater, inches matter. Whether Woo takes the mound, or waits in the wings, the Mariners’ fate may hinge as much on his return timeline as on any single pitch.