General Updates
Bryan Woo could rejoin the Seattle Mariners' rotation sometime next week after an MRI on his right arm came back clean.
Woo was scratched from his scheduled start on Tuesday due to discomfort in his right forearm—a concerning development for both the pitcher and the team. Woo did not throw his bullpen session this week and "didn't feel great" the day before his scheduled start. However, with the MRI confirming there are no major issues, Woo will resume his throwing program with an eye on being reinserted into the Mariners' rotation during their upcoming road trip. This cautious optimism is a relief for the Mariners, considering Woo's injury history this year.
Woo has been on a limited 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. Woo made an immediate impact upon his return, going 3-0 with a remarkable 1.07 ERA in his first six starts. Despite his success, his career innings totals are notably low; he has just 121⅓ innings at the major league level and 112⅓ innings in the minors.
Player Health Updates
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 towards their returns. France is currently on the 10-day injured list with a hairline fracture in his right heel. While he is anticipated to return shortly after his mandatory time on the injured list expires, he will likely still experience some discomfort in his heel. Polanco has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Before making his return, he will likely be sent out on a rehab assignment, provided he passes a series of running tests this week.
Quotes
"Bryan is [a] really unique story. He just doesn't have the volume that major league pitchers have usually established in their careers. So 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 underscores the challenges modern-day pitchers face in reaching the majors and sustaining success. The Mariners' proactivity in diagnosing and managing his forearm discomfort is a testament to 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. Likewise, 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 cusp of welcoming back several key players just in time to make a push in the second half of the season. The next week or so 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.