The Mariners’ postseason plans were thrown a major curveball just hours before their ALDS opener, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. One of their most reliable arms has been ruled out of the Division Series, forcing Seattle to rethink its pitching strategy against a dangerous Tigers lineup. For a team looking to build on its late-season surge, this sudden twist could reshape its entire playoff roadmap.

Talkin’ Baseball summed up the situation bluntly on X: “A big blow for the Mariners as Bryan Woo has been left off their ALDS roster.” Alongside the post, they shared a graphic that read: “OFF ALDS ROSTER — Bryan Woo has been left off the Mariners ALDS roster as he deals with pectoral inflammation (Per Adam Jude / The Seattle Times).” The news spread quickly across the baseball world, leaving fans stunned just as anticipation for Game 1 reached its peak.

The Mariners confirmed the decision on Saturday ahead of their ALDS matchup with the Detroit Tigers. Bryan Woo hasn’t pitched since September 19 due to pectoral inflammation, and the team ultimately decided not to risk further injury. Should Seattle advance to the ALCS, there’s hope he could return, but for now, they’ll be without their All-Star right-hander when they need him most. It’s a notable loss: Woo started 30 games this season, going 15–7 with a 2.94 ERA, a team-best among starters, and striking out 198 batters.

For those wondering how the Mariners plan to cope, the rotation is already set. George Kirby will start Game 1, followed by Luis Castillo in Game 2 against Detroit’s ace Tarik Skubal. Kirby logged 12 wins with a 4.21 ERA this season, while Castillo posted an 18–11 record and 3.54 ERA across 32 starts. Both have been steady, but losing Woo takes away a high-strikeout weapon that often sets the tone early in big games — a role that can be pivotal in short playoff series.

The Mariners will need their pitching depth to step up quickly. Seattle hosts the first two games at T-Mobile Park, with first pitch scheduled for 8:38 p.m. ET on Saturday. Detroit is sending Troy Melton to the mound in Game 1, with Tarik Skubal lined up for Sunday. It’s a daunting task for the Mariners, who now have to navigate October without one of their most electric arms. In simple terms, Woo’s absence isn’t just a roster note — it’s a strategic setback that changes everything from bullpen usage to matchup dynamics.

The news of Woo’s injury didn’t just shake the clubhouse — it hit fans hard, too. Social media quickly filled with passionate, emotional, and even strategic responses, reflecting the collective anxiety surrounding Seattle’s postseason run.

Fans react to Bryan Woo’s ALDS absence

One fan summed up lingering concerns by pointing back to Woo’s last outing: “He was done… when he pitched in the Houston series, it was obvious he pitched too long in that game.” That game against the Astros, played on September 19, saw Woo deliver a brilliant performance with 0.00 ERA and just 1 hit allowed before being shut down for the remainder of the series. He missed the September 20 and 21 games, which, in hindsight, became the turning point in his health.

Another fan expressed disappointment over the drawn-out nature of the injury: “Damn. Was really hoping to see him pitch. It’s unfortunate that this has lingered this long.” Woo’s injury indeed originated from that Houston game, and despite early optimism — including daily throwing sessions and MRI scans showing only minor inflammation — his recovery wasn’t quick enough. Seattle’s medical staff prioritized long-term health, ruling him out for the ALDS to avoid aggravation.

A third fan kept it short and sharp: “A huge blow.” And they’re not wrong. Woo’s regular season numbers underline why this is such a setback: 30 starts, 15–7 record, 2.94 ERA, 198 strikeouts, 0.93 WHIP. Across his career (70 starts), he’s posted a 28–15 record with a 3.21 ERA and 392 strikeouts in 395.2 innings. Few pitchers in Seattle’s history have provided such consistency this early in their careers.

Another fan offered a broader playoff perspective: “That’s lousy luck. Jays fans can relate to untimely injuries. Hope he gets better soon, and maybe he can pitch against Bo Bichette in the ALCS.” The playoff path isn’t easy: Seattle must beat either Detroit or Cleveland in a best-of-five ALDS, then survive a seven-game ALCS to reach the World Series. Ironically, Bichette himself is injured and won’t play in the Yankees series opener, adding another twist to the October drama.

Finally, one fan rallied the team with a battle cry: “Gotta win it in three. Do it for the Woo!” Seattle’s ALDS matchup with Detroit is indeed a best-of-three series, meaning every game carries massive weight. Without Woo, their margin for error shrinks — but the emotional push from fans could be exactly what this roster needs to respond.

Bryan Woo’s absence from the ALDS roster is more than just a rotation shuffle — it’s a significant psychological and tactical blow to a Mariners team with World Series ambitions. His 2025 numbers show just how valuable he’s been, and fans clearly feel the sting. But if Seattle can ride their rotation depth, capitalize on home-field advantage, and channel the “Do it for the Woo” energy, their October story might still have a few thrilling chapters left.