General Updates
The Seattle Mariners could soon see the return of Bryan Woo to their rotation, potentially as early as next week, following a clean MRI on his right arm. Woo was originally scratched from his scheduled start on Tuesday due to discomfort in his right forearm, sparking concerns among both the player 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 that there are no major issues, Woo will resume his throwing program with hopes of being reinserted into the Mariners' rotation during their upcoming road trip. This cautious optimism is a major relief for the Mariners, especially considering Woo's injury history this year.
Woo has been on a limited pitch count this season due to recurring arm issues. He began the season on the injured list with elbow inflammation and didn’t make his season debut until May 10. Upon his return, Woo made an immediate impact, going 3-0 with an impressive 1.07 ERA in his first six starts. Despite his success, his career innings totals remain notably low, with 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 only once since June 4 and received an injection earlier this week to alleviate the issue. Manager Scott Servais mentioned that he is 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 is likely to experience some discomfort in his heel. Polanco, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, is expected to go on a rehab assignment provided he passes a series of running tests this week.
Quotes
"Brian is a really unique story. He just doesn't have the volume that major league pitchers have usually established in their careers," said a team representative. "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 mirrors the challenges faced by modern-day pitchers in reaching the majors and sustaining success. The Mariners' proactive stance in diagnosing and managing his forearm discomfort demonstrates their commitment to his long-term health.
Muñoz's progress offers another beacon of hope for the Mariners. As their closer, his return will be crucial for bolstering the bullpen. Likewise, the upcoming returns of Ty France and Jorge Polanco are set to provide much-needed depth and stability to the Mariners' infield, addressing both offensive and defensive needs.
In summary, the Mariners are on the brink of welcoming back several key players just in time to make a strong push in the second half of the season. The next week or so will be pivotal as the team aims to integrate these returning players while continuing to compete at a high level. This meticulous approach in monitoring player health is likely to pay off, ensuring that the Mariners can not only compete in the present but also cultivate a roster capable of enduring the rigors of a full MLB season.