Speaking before Game 2 of the series with the Houston Astros on Saturday afternoon, M's skipper Dan Wilson talked about the prognosis for his All-Star and ace.
HOUSTON -- Speaking before Game 2 of a crucial three-game series with the Houston Astros on Saturday afternoon, Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson provided a cautiously optimistic update on ace pitcher Bryan Woo, who left Friday's start with a right pectoral issue.
"We'll start today with just an update on Bryan. MRI revealed some minor inflammation in his pec, and really just kind of a day-to-day thing. We'll continue to assess him each day. We'll know a little bit more in the next 24-to-48 hours depending on how he responds. And that's really what we know at this point. So, I think he'll obviously want to get out as soon as possible. But that's what we know at this point and just continue to assess it as we go.
Seattle Mariners starter Bryan Woo (22) delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres at T-Mobile Park. Stephen Brashear-Imagn ImagesAt a different point of the conversation, Wilson said he thought "today was, in a lot of ways, good news." He added they would let the trainers decide about the course of action regarding throwing and there have been no determinations about his next start, or possible contingency plans if he can't make it. He's slated to start Thursday against the Colorado Rockies.
It should be noted, that if Woo is put on the injured list, he has to stay there for 15 days, which would knock him out of the American League wild card round and possibly the American League Division Series. Therefore, if the Mariners want any chance of pitching him in the rest of the regular season or the playoffs, they have to keep him on the roster.
Woo has been one of the best starters in baseball and should get down-ballot consideration for the Cy Young Award. He's gone 15-7 with a 2.94 ERA and earned his first All-Star Game appearance this summer. He threw five scoreless innings before exiting on Friday. He had 13 strikeouts in his previous start against the Los Angeles Angels.
Seattle enters Game 2 of the series with Houston on Saturday at 85-69. They lead the Astros by one game in the American League West and are seeking their first division crown since 2001. George Kirby will pitch against Framber Valdez.
Notable
Because the Tigers lost on Saturday, the Mariners now have a 0.5 game lead on Detroit for the No. 2 spot in the playoff race. A win by the Mariners would make that a full game. Seattle owns the tiebreaker on Detroit as well.