General Updates
The Seattle Mariners received a significant boost with the news that pitcher Bryan Woo could rejoin the team's rotation as early as next week. An MRI on Woo's right arm came back clean, signaling that his forearm discomfort may not be as severe as initially feared.
Woo was originally scheduled to start on Tuesday but was scratched due to the forearm discomfort, raising concerns for both the pitcher and the team. He did not participate in his bullpen session this week and reported feeling subpar the day before his planned start. However, the clean MRI results have rekindled optimism within the Mariners' camp.
Woo will now resume his throwing program with the intention of being reintegrated into the Mariners' rotation during their upcoming road trip. This cautious optimism is a relief for the Mariners, particularly given Woo's injury history this year.
Woo has been on a restricted pitch count this season due to recurring arm issues. He started the season on the injured list with elbow inflammation and didn't make his season debut until May 10. Upon his return, he made an immediate impact, going 3-0 with a remarkable 1.07 ERA in his first six starts. Despite his success, his career innings totals remain low, with only 121⅓ innings at the major league level and 112⅓ innings in the minors.
Player Health Updates
The Mariners also have positive news regarding other players. Closer Andrés Muñoz is expected to return sometime this weekend after dealing with lower back discomfort. Muñoz has pitched just once since June 4 and received an injection earlier this week to alleviate the issue. Manager Scott Servais mentioned that he's hopeful Muñoz could be available for this weekend's series against Texas.
First baseman Ty France and second baseman Jorge Polanco are also making progress toward their returns. France is currently on the 10-day injured list with a hairline fracture in his right heel but is anticipated to return shortly after his mandatory time on the injured list expires, albeit he may still experience some discomfort. Polanco, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, will likely be sent out on a rehab assignment provided he passes a series of running tests this week.
Quotes
Regarding Bryan Woo, the Mariners' staff highlighted his unique career trajectory and the importance of being thorough with his health evaluations. "Bryan is a really unique story. He just doesn't have the volume that major league pitchers have usually established in their careers," a team representative said. "We went and did an MRI to make sure that we weren’t missing anything. But we don't anticipate a shutdown period. He just hasn't been through the things that typical starting pitchers have been through. He didn't pitch a lot in college. He didn't pitch a lot in the minor leagues. For us, the No. 1 thing is he's healthy. He's so good. He's so unique. We want to make sure he's healthy. Now that we've checked that box, it's about working... to build a routine that works for him."
Analysis
The Mariners' cautious approach with Woo underscores a broader trend in baseball: the increasing importance of preserving young pitchers' health and careers amid rising velocities and workloads. Woo's limited experience highlights the challenges modern-day pitchers face in both reaching the majors and sustaining success. The Mariners' proactive stance in diagnosing and managing his forearm discomfort exemplifies their commitment to his long-term health.
Muñoz's progress is another beacon of hope for the Mariners. As their closer, his return will be critical for shoring up the bullpen. Similarly, the forthcoming returns of Ty France and Jorge Polanco could provide much-needed depth and stability to the Mariners' infield, addressing both offensive and defensive needs.
In summary, the Mariners are on the verge of welcoming back several key players just in time to make a push in the second half of the season. The upcoming week will be crucial as the team looks to integrate these returning players while continuing to compete at a high level. The meticulous approach in monitoring player health is poised to pay off, ensuring that the Mariners can compete not only in the present but also cultivate a roster capable of enduring the rigors of a full MLB season.