Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo gets big update as he deals with shoulder injury concern

The Seattle Mariners altered their weekend rotation after right-hander Bryan Woo developed discomfort in his throwing shoulder, but the club remains optimistic he will avoid the injured list.

Woo first experienced the discomfort during last Sunday’s victory over the Houston Astros, when he allowed two runs across six innings. Seattle subsequently pushed back his scheduled start Saturday afternoon while evaluating when he can safely return to the rotation.

Kade Anderson will replace Woo and make his major league debut Saturday vs. the Chicago Cubs. The organization’s top prospect recorded a 1.06 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, and 135 strikeouts across 93 1/3 innings for Double-A Arkansas. He also walked just 13 batters and held opponents to a .147 average.

In an update published Friday, MLB.com addressed Woo’s situation as part of its running tracker covering the latest injuries and transactions involving the Mariners’ roster.

“RHP Bryan Woo
Injury: Right shoulder discomfort
Expected return: TBD
Status: Pushed back from Aug. 22 start by at least two days as the club determines his status, though manager Dan Wilson was optimistic that Woo would avoid the IL. (Last updated: Aug. 21)”

Woo has not undergone imaging, another encouraging indication as Seattle evaluates the issue. Wilson said the Mariners expect him, at most, to miss his next scheduled start.

The cautious approach follows a strong stretch for Woo. He owns a 1.00 ERA across 18 innings in three August starts, with 15 strikeouts and three walks.

Anderson gives the Mariners another rotation option without forcing the 26-year-old back before he is ready. MLB Pipeline ranks the 22-year-old left-hander as Seattle’s No. 1 prospect and the No. 5 overall prospect in baseball.

Bryce Miller remains scheduled to start Sunday’s series finale. The Mariners will reassess their rotation after determining where Woo fits, with the club considering a six-man alignment for the immediate future.

For now, Seattle has avoided placing Woo on the injured list. His return date remains uncertain, but Seattle currently expects additional rest rather than an extended absence.

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