UPDATE: The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the Seattle Mariners’ right-hander George Kirby is confirmed to start against Shane Bieber, the Toronto Blue Jays’ ace and 2020 AL Cy Young Award-winner, in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series on October 18, 2023, in Seattle. This pivotal matchup is crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the World Series.
Kirby, who is coming off a solid performance in Game 5 of the division series against the Detroit Tigers, struck out six batters while allowing only one run and three hits over five innings. The 25-year-old also pitched in Game 1 of the series against the Tigers, where he surrendered two runs and six hits over five innings. This season, Kirby posted a record of 10-8 with a 4.21 ERA across 23 regular-season starts.
On the other side, fans are eager to see how Bieber performs after a tough outing in Game 3 of the Blue Jays’ division series against the Yankees, where he gave up three runs (two earned) and five hits in 2.2 innings. Since being acquired from Cleveland, Bieber has gone 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA in seven starts for Toronto. Notably, he did not face the Mariners this season, adding an element of unpredictability to this crucial game.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson has also indicated that Luis Castillo is expected to take the mound for Game 4 on Thursday, while Bryan Woo remains a potential option for Game 5 on Friday. Woo, who has been sidelined since September 19 due to pectoral inflammation, threw a successful live batting practice session earlier this week. Wilson remarked, “I thought it went really well today… If he comes back tomorrow feeling better, I think we’re on a good path to seeing him later in the series.”
As anticipation builds for this must-watch matchup, both teams are feeling the pressure. The Mariners look to leverage their home-field advantage, while the Blue Jays aim to bounce back after a tough loss. With the stakes higher than ever, this game is not just about winning but also about securing their path to the World Series.
Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement as the 2025 MLB playoffs continue to unfold. Keep an eye on the developments as the Mariners’ Kirby and the Blue Jays’ Bieber clash in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
