For the first time in these 2025 MLB playoffs, Mariners All-Star starting pitcher Bryan Woo took to the press conference podium.
Woo, who enjoyed a career year and arguably anchored the Mariners impressive starting pitching rotation in 2025, has not seen the mound since Sept. 19. That day, while helping the M’s to a win over Houston, Woo left the game early after something felt off. No structural damage was found, but there was inflammation in his pectoral muscle.
The Mariners were as cautious as possible, even avoiding using Woo in two ALCS games where the rested arms were hard to find. He was left off the ALDS roster entirely the week before.
Now, with the Mariners leading the ALCS 2-0, Woo appears the closest he’s been to a return and hopes to pitch in this series.
“I just know I’m ready to get in the game, and the last box to check is just to get my name called,” Woo told reporters on Tuesday.
“I’ve done everything that I can the last couple weeks to handle my business in the training room, in the weight room, on the field, everything that I can control. I kind of put the rest in the hands of the trainers and coaches and whatnot. So luckily, we have a great staff that I trust with the rest of it, and the rest of it, I kind of just have to let go. Yeah, now I’m just ready to go,” he added.
Woo finished the regular season with a 15-7 record and finished third in MLB of all qualified starters with a 0.93 WHIP (Walks/Hits per Innings Pitched). That record is the fifth best of all MLB starters, and his 2.94 ERA is 11th overall. Oh, and his 198 strikeouts are also in the top 15 for all of MLB.
Clearly, the Mariners have to (and have done so), but Woo’s future is a top priority and are avoiding rushing him back. Now, taking the 2-0 lead certainly helps. But Woo saying he’s ready lends credence to the idea that he could be used either out of the bullpen at any point, or to start a game in his usual role if the M’s need a boost in the event of a Toronto rally.
“I think all reports have been good, as we had expected, and (he) continues to make his progression. Obviously, the live A-Bs the other day was a big step for him,” said manager Dan Wilson.
“Yeah, getting him back, one of the guys that has really led this staff this year, obviously, will be huge for us, whatever that looks like as we get into the later part of this series. But getting him back and getting him healthy is the key. He’s getting close,” Wilson added.
In a perfect world for Seattle fans, the M’s would win the first two games here in Seattle with George Kirby throwing in Game 3 and Luis Castillo on the hill in Game 4. But should the series hit a snag from the Seattle perspective, it appears Woo could make his postseason debut for his entire career in a high-leverage spot or start.
And if there’s anything we’ve learned about Bryan Woo, he’ll be ready for the moment.
“At this point in the year, it is what it is. Everybody’s hurting, nobody feels good,” Woo said, adding, “You just kind of — it helps to have such a good connection in the clubhouse with all the guys and the bond that everybody shares, that no matter how you’re feeling — good, bad, anywhere in between — that you’re playing for the guy next to you, and you know that they’re not feeling any better than you are. I think that’s the most important thing is that bond kind of carries you out, regardless of how you feel.”