Bryce Miller to Start Game 1 of ALCS for Seattle Mariners Against Toronto Blue Jays

The Seattle Mariners have announced that right-handed pitcher Bryce Miller will start Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, the opening game of the best-of-seven showdown.

Speaking on Saturday, Miller expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm fired up. Yeah, I'm ready to go. Pitching in the playoffs is something you dream of, and just getting the opportunity to start us off and get us going early and set the tone is super meaningful."

Miller is the freshest available option after starters Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert contributed relief innings during Seattle's grueling 3-2, 15-inning win over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the AL Division Series on Friday night.

The 27-year-old Miller last pitched on Wednesday in Game 4 at Detroit, where he threw 55 pitches before being relieved, a performance he found somewhat unsatisfactory. Despite Seattle holding a 3-0 lead when he exited after 4 1/3 innings, Miller was charged with two runs on four hits, although he did not permit any walks and struck out two. The Mariners eventually lost that game 9-3 but rebounded to claim an epic Game 5 victory.

Reflecting on his recent outing, Miller remarked, "My last outing, I felt really good. I think that was the best my stuff has been in a while. So yeah, I'm excited and looking forward to the opportunity."

During the regular season, Miller posted a 4-6 record with a 5.68 ERA across 18 starts. The previous game against Detroit marked his first career postseason appearance and start.

Seattle's manager Dan Wilson expressed confidence in his young pitcher, saying, "We're excited to hand (Miller) the ball. We'll take him as far as he can go."

Opposing Miller on the mound will be the Toronto Blue Jays' right-hander Kevin Gausman, who earned the win in Game 1 of the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees on October 4, allowing one run and four hits over 5 2/3 innings.

Meanwhile, the Mariners are finalizing their ALCS roster, submissions due Sunday morning. The team is considering including All-Star right-hander Bryan Woo, who sat out the ALDS due to a pectoral injury.

Woo, 25, has not pitched since September 19 but threw a bullpen session on Friday. Team officials are closely monitoring his recovery.

Wilson commented, "We're continuing to assess (Woo's) availability. He seems to be rebounding pretty well. He's coming back. Right now, we're continuing to weigh what that timetable might be and when he'll be available."

In the regular season, Woo compiled a 15-7 record with a 2.94 ERA in 30 starts, making him a vital potential addition for the Mariners in this postseason run.