The Seattle Mariners won a thrilling, win-or-go-home Game 5 last night against the Detroit Tigers, defeating them 3-2 in 15 innings on a walk-off single by Jorge Polanco.
The victory came at a significant price. In order to secure the win, Seattle was forced to use seven pitchers — many of whom are among the strongest on the staff. The Mariners turned to top relievers Matt Brash, Gabe Speier and Andrés Muñoz, with both Brash and Muñoz pitching more than one inning.
Seattle also used several of its best starting pitchers, with the exception of Bryan Woo, who missed the American League Division Series roster due to injury. Starter George Kirby threw five innings, while rotation staples Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo were called on in relief.
With the American League Championship Series beginning Sunday, the Mariners’ pitching staff is noticeably taxed compared with the Toronto Blue Jays, who have been resting since eliminating the New York Yankees on Wednesday.
So, who could start Game 1 for Seattle? Given the seven-game format of the ALCS, the Mariners could turn to Emerson Hancock, which would allow Gilbert, Castillo and Kirby to pitch in Games 2 through 4.
Castillo is another potential option, having thrown the fewest pitches of any Seattle starter who appeared in relief Friday — just 15.
Seattle could also consider a bullpen game to open the series, saving its top arms for later. Woo may be added to the ALCS roster as a reliever, but he is unlikely to be ready to start Game 1 after throwing a bullpen session Friday as he rehabs from injury.