Mariners manager expresses confidence in Bryan Woo for big start Sunday

SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners were roundly criticized by fans for their decision to start Bryan Woo in Seattle’s series finale Sunday against the Houston Astros.

In hindsight, Friday and Saturday’s losses to the Astros only reinforced the idea that Logan Gilbert should have been selected for Seattle in the series finale.

In a pregame interview Sunday, Mariners manager Scott Servais expressed confidence in Woo’s abilities heading into his outing against Houston.

“His mindset was good,” Servais said Sunday. “I actually thought he threw the ball well in Anaheim. He gave up a couple of hits there, I think. They weren’t hard hits, but they were hits. And (the Los Angeles Angels) found some holes and he couldn’t get as deep into the game as he would have liked. But he was good, so he’ll be ready today.”

In his start against Los Angeles on July 12, Woo allowed nine hits and four earned runs in 3.1 innings pitched.

Woo has spent several stints on the disabled list this season, but when he has played in the field, he has fared well. He has a 2.45 ERA in nine starts with 29 strikeouts in 44 innings pitched.

The Mariners entered the series against Houston with a 1 1/2 game lead in the American League West. After two losses, Seattle can only find itself tied with Houston in the division when it faces Los Angeles on Monday.

Woo’s ability to continue to build on what he’s shown when healthy will be key to the Mariners’ second half of the season.

ASTROS CLOSE THE SAILORS: The Houston Astros tied the Seattle Mariners in the American League West with a 3-0 shutout Friday at T-Mobile Park. CLICK HERE

MARINERS’ CITY CONNECT UNITED LOSING THEIR CHARM: The Seattle Mariners lost their first game in City Connect uniforms this season with a 3-0 defeat to the Houston Astros on Friday. CLICK HERE

THE ASTROS MAKE THE SAILORS PAY: The Seattle Mariners once again failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities and squandered a lead in a 4-2 loss to the Houston Astros on Saturday. CLICK HERE

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