BREAKING: The Seattle Mariners have announced that All-Star right-hander Bryan Woo will not make his scheduled start on Thursday, September 28, 2023, against the Colorado Rockies due to pectoral tightness. Mariners general manager Justin Hollander confirmed this news just moments ago, sparking concerns among fans as the playoff race heats up.
Woo, who exited his last game against the Houston Astros last Friday after just a few pitches in the sixth inning, is reportedly doing well. “He’s in a really good mental place right now,” Hollander stated, adding that Woo was disappointed following his early exit but is now feeling encouraged.
Despite Woo’s absence, the Mariners have no plans to place him on the injured list. Hollander explained that putting Woo on the IL would require a full 15-day stint, potentially impacting their chances in the postseason. “At this time of the year, we’re not blind to the context of what 15 days means,” he noted, emphasizing that Woo likely won’t need that much time off.
The Mariners currently hold a strong record of 87-69 and could clinch a playoff berth as early as Tuesday. They are on the verge of winning the AL West outright by Wednesday, entering a crucial three-game series against the Rockies, who are struggling at the bottom of the league standings.
Manager Dan Wilson endorsed the decision to rest Woo, stating it’s a prudent move to ensure he returns to full strength. “I think it’s a smart thing to do at this point and get him back to where he needs to be,” Wilson said. The Mariners have won 14 of their last 15 games, giving them a cushion that allows Woo to recover without rushing his return.
As the team prepares for the upcoming matchups, all eyes will be on Woo’s recovery. Fans are eager to see him back on the mound, especially with the postseason looming. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.