The Seattle Mariners were routed 13-4 by the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, as Toronto’s offense erupted for five home runs to stay alive in the series.
The result itself was lopsided, but Seattle’s pitching choices may have raised more eyebrows than the score. Manager Dan Wilson handed the ball to George Kirby to start Game 3, just five days after Kirby threw 66 pitches over five innings in Seattle’s 15-inning marathon win against the Detroit Tigers to clinch the Division Series.
Following Kirby’s outing that night, the Mariners used six relievers — including starters Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo — to close out that game. Notably, Castillo threw just 15 pitches in 1⅓ innings, the lightest workload of the group.
With the Mariners up 2-0 entering Game 3, Wilson’s decision to start Kirby on short rest seemed strategic. By doing so, Seattle effectively bought Castillo five full days of rest for Game 4. If the plan worked, the Mariners would still hold a series lead and be set up well with their ace fully recovered.
But that gamble came at a cost. Kirby struggled, giving up eight runs in four innings. Because of this, Seattle’s taxed bullpen was forced into action once again. Now, all eyes turn to Castillo to see whether the decision pays off — or backfires — when he takes the mound in Game 4.
Seattle may also get a boost soon, as Bryan Woo is reportedly nearing a return from injury and could be available if the series reaches Game 5.