Although the Seattle Mariners managed to defeat the Detroit Tigers in the American League Division Series, it was hard not to question whether the outcome would have been different if they hadn’t been saddled with a makeshift roster. Their bench was oddly constructed, and they were missing their top pitcher.
That won’t be the case this time. On Sunday morning, ahead of their AL Championship Series matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Mariners announced their updated roster—highlighted by the return of Bryan Woo to the pitching staff.
This move doesn’t come as a surprise. The Mariners essentially hinted at Woo’s inclusion immediately after the ALDS ended. In the early hours following Seattle’s Game 5 marathon win over Detroit, Jerry Dipoto all but confirmed that the ace right-hander would be activated for the next round.
Woo hasn’t pitched since September 19 due to inflammation in his right pectoral muscle, so he’s expected to be on a pitch limit when he returns. Even so, he was Seattle’s best arm this season, thriving especially against strong competition—posting a 2.09 ERA across 15 starts versus teams with records of .500 or better.
When exactly Woo will make his next start remains uncertain, but the Mariners could use him soon. After Dan Wilson had to deploy both Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo in relief of George Kirby during Game 5, the rotation is currently in disarray.
As for Toronto, they’ll be without one of their key players. Bo Bichette was left off the ALCS roster as he continues to deal with discomfort from a sprained knee.
Mariners ALCS roster features one other addition and two notable subtractions
In summary, here’s how the Mariners’ ALCS roster differs from the one they carried in the ALDS:
Added: RHP Bryan Woo, INF/OF Miles Mastrobuoni
Removed: 3B Ben Williamson, 1B/OF Luke Raley
Williamson’s removal was expected. He only made the ALDS roster as insurance in case Josh Naylor needed time off for paternity leave. That didn’t happen, as Naylor and his wife welcomed their baby on an off day during the series. With Naylor back full-time, Williamson’s spot was no longer necessary.
The more notable change is the swap of Raley for Mastrobuoni—though it makes sense given Raley’s struggles at the plate. Injuries sidelined Raley for much of the season, and when healthy, he produced just a .202/.319/.311 line with an 85 OPS+.
After returning from his second IL stint, he hit only .143 with no homers over 24 games and went hitless in the ALDS, aside from a hit-by-pitch in five plate appearances.
Mastrobuoni, meanwhile, offers more versatility and a steadier approach at the plate. He struck out only 29 times and drew 17 walks in 175 plate appearances this year, giving Seattle a bit more reliability off the bench.
Looking ahead, Raley’s future with the Mariners is uncertain. He’s arbitration-eligible in 2026 and projected to earn about $1.8 million. Despite being worth 3.2 rWAR just a year ago, his -0.3 rWAR in 2025 may prompt the cost-conscious Mariners to non-tender him.
For now, all focus turns to the ALCS opener at Rogers Centre, where Bryce Miller will take the mound for Seattle against Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman. First pitch is scheduled for 5:03 p.m. PT.
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