UPDATE: Seattle Mariners All-Star right-hander Bryan Woo has been scratched from his scheduled start against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday night due to pectoral tightness, as confirmed by Mariners general manager Justin Hollander on Tuesday. This sudden change comes just days after Woo exited a game against the Houston Astros last Friday, where he was performing strongly before experiencing discomfort.
Woo’s absence is significant as the Mariners, currently boasting a record of 87-69, are on the brink of clinching a playoff berth. They could secure a spot as soon as Tuesday and clinch the AL West outright by Wednesday, making every game critical. Hollander stated that Woo is in a “really good mental place” despite his disappointment after leaving the game early.
“He was very disappointed Friday postgame, just with the uncertainty and he really wanted to go dominate the entirety of the game,” Hollander said. “The way he has felt the last couple of days has been very encouraging to him and to us.” Woo is expected to throw again soon, with hopes for a return to the mound in the coming days.
Importantly, Hollander reported there are no plans to place Woo on the injured list, which would require him to sit out for a full 15 days and could jeopardize his availability for the postseason.
“We’re not blind to the context of what 15 days means,” Hollander added. “But he’s also doing really well, and we don’t think he’ll need 15 days.” This strategic decision reflects the Mariners’ commitment to maintaining their momentum as they prepare for the playoffs.
Manager Dan Wilson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Woo’s health as they approach the final stretch of the regular season. “I think it’s a smart thing to do at this point and get him back to where he needs to be,” Wilson said. “He continues to get stronger, and we’ll just continue to monitor as we go.”
The Mariners, having won 14 of their last 15 games, are currently in a strong position to capitalize on their lead over the Houston Astros. This cushion allows them to take the necessary steps in Woo’s recovery without rushing his return.
As fans and analysts keep a close watch on Woo’s condition, the urgency for the Mariners remains high. They prepare to face the Rockies in a crucial three-game series, with every game counting as they aim for postseason success. Stay tuned for further updates on Woo’s status and the Mariners’ playoff journey.
