SX Breaking: Mariners Expect Bryan Woo to Return Midway Through ALCS, Jerry Dipoto Confirms
SEATTLE — In a development that could significantly impact the American League Championship Series, Seattle Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto announced late last night that the team expects Bryan Woo to be available “at some point” during the ALCS.
While Woo is not expected to pitch in the early games of the series, Dipoto confirmed that his name will likely appear on the Mariners’ official ALCS roster — a sign of cautious optimism as Seattle prepares for its most important stretch of the season.
“We’re hopeful Bryan will be able to contribute during the series,” Dipoto said during a late-night media availability. “He’s been progressing well in his throwing sessions, and we’ll continue to monitor how he responds over the next few days. The plan is to have him active and available mid-series, assuming no setbacks.”
Woo’s Journey Back
Bryan Woo’s potential return is a major storyline for the Mariners, who have relied heavily on their starting rotation throughout the postseason. The 24-year-old right-hander has been sidelined since late September with a forearm strain, which the team handled cautiously to avoid a more serious injury.
Woo’s absence left a noticeable gap in Seattle’s rotation depth. During the regular season, he compiled a 3.47 ERA across 21 starts, displaying poise and command well beyond his years. His combination of a high-90s fastball and sharp breaking pitches made him one of the American League’s breakout young arms in 2024.
Pitching coach Pete Woodworth noted last week that Woo had been throwing bullpen sessions and showing encouraging signs of recovery. “His velocity’s there, his command looks good, and the confidence hasn’t wavered,” Woodworth said. “It’s really just about timing and making sure he’s 100% before we put him back into game action.”
Bryce Miller to Open as ‘Available’ Pitcher for Game 1
In the meantime, Bryce Miller will be listed as the Mariners’ “available” pitcher for Game 1 of the ALCS. The 26-year-old right-hander, who has been a steady presence all season, is expected to either start or serve as a long reliever depending on how the opening game unfolds.
Miller finished the regular season with a 3.81 ERA and 159 strikeouts over 174 innings, cementing his status as one of Seattle’s most dependable arms. His ability to adjust between starter and reliever roles has given manager Scott Servais valuable flexibility in high-stakes matchups.
“Bryce has earned every bit of trust we’ve shown him,” Servais said in his pre-series press conference. “He’s ready for whatever role we need. Whether it’s giving us five innings or coming in to bridge the middle of a game, he’s locked in.”
The ALCS Landscape: Mariners’ Rotation Under Pressure
The Mariners enter the ALCS with their pitching depth tested like never before. With Woo still working his way back and the bullpen being used heavily in the Division Series, the team’s ability to manage innings will be critical.
Luis Castillo remains slated to start Game 1, while George Kirby and Logan Gilbert are expected to follow in Games 2 and 3. Castillo, who threw seven scoreless innings in his last outing, has been the heartbeat of Seattle’s postseason success.
“Pitching has always been our identity,” Servais said. “We’ve built around arms that compete and throw strikes. But the deeper you go into October, the more you need every piece available. Having Woo come back, even for a short stint, could be a huge lift for us.”
A Calculated Risk — and a Potential Game-Changer
Including Bryan Woo on the ALCS roster despite uncertainty about his exact readiness reflects a calculated risk by the Mariners’ front office. But it’s one they believe is worth taking.
In October baseball, versatility and timing often matter more than complete readiness. Having Woo as an option — even for a crucial Game 4 or Game 5 start — could tilt the balance in Seattle’s favor.
Dipoto emphasized that the decision was made collaboratively, involving the medical staff, coaches, and Woo himself. “We wouldn’t bring him back if we didn’t think he could perform safely and effectively,” Dipoto explained. “Bryan’s a competitor. He wants the ball. But we’re making sure we’re smart about it.”
Woo’s Role: Starter or Reliever?
If Woo returns mid-series, the Mariners face a strategic choice: use him as a starter or deploy him in shorter bursts out of the bullpen. The latter could allow Seattle to maximize his effectiveness while minimizing strain on his arm.
Several analysts believe a hybrid role could be ideal. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi noted that “bringing Woo back as a multi-inning reliever would give Seattle a powerful weapon against the middle of the opposing lineup. His velocity plays up in shorter stints, and his ability to mix speeds could neutralize lefties.”
Still, the team hasn’t ruled out a traditional start. Woo’s previous outings have shown he can manage pitch counts efficiently, and his command could allow him to handle a controlled four- or five-inning workload if needed.
Mariners’ Momentum — and the Emotional Factor
Beyond the numbers, Woo’s possible return carries emotional weight. The Mariners haven’t reached the World Series since 2001, and their fans have rallied behind a resilient, homegrown roster built on pitching, defense, and chemistry.
Having one of their rising stars return in the midst of a playoff run could serve as a rallying point — a symbol of perseverance and belief.
“Bryan’s energy is contagious,” teammate J.P. Crawford said. “Even when he’s been sidelined, he’s been in the dugout, cheering, breaking down hitters with the staff. You can tell how badly he wants to be out there.”
That type of leadership can’t be quantified but often defines October baseball. The Mariners have already shown they can win close, high-pressure games. Adding Woo back into the mix could make them even more dangerous.
Looking Ahead
If the Mariners advance beyond the ALCS, Woo’s role could expand in the World Series. But for now, all focus remains on getting him healthy enough to contribute meaningfully against elite postseason competition.
Seattle’s front office has maintained throughout the year that their long-term goal is sustainability — building a contender that can compete every season, not just one. But the chance to bring home the franchise’s first championship looms large, and every arm counts.
For Bryan Woo, it’s an opportunity to write his name into Mariners lore. For Jerry Dipoto and Pete Woodworth, it’s the culmination of years spent developing a pitching-first culture that has finally carried Seattle deep into October.
Whether he returns in Game 4, 5, or even later, Woo’s presence could be the missing piece in Seattle’s championship puzzle.
As Dipoto put it simply:
“He’s part of this. He’s earned that right. And if the moment comes, he’ll be ready.”
SEO Title: Mariners Expect Bryan Woo to Return Midway Through ALCS, Dipoto Confirms
Meta Description: Seattle Mariners president Jerry Dipoto says Bryan Woo is likely to return during the ALCS. Bryce Miller to be available for Game 1 as the team manages its pitching depth.
