Why Mariners are starting Bryce Miller on short rest in ALCS Game 1 in lieu of injured Bryan Woo

The Seattle Mariners are hoping to have Bryan Woo available at some point.

But the injured right-hander isn't going to pitch Game 1 of the ALCS for Seattle against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Instead, the Mariners have tapped Bryce Miller to go on three days' rest to start the league championship series.

Part of the reason is that Woo, coming back from a pectoral injury, isn't ready for Game 1. 

"We're continuing to assess his availability," manager Dan Wilson told MLB.com about Woo. "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."

Miller is the only healthy Seattle starter who didn't pitch in the 15-inning Game 5 ALCS victory.

"I'm fired up," Miller told MLB.com about getting the Game 1 assignment. "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 pitched ALDS Game 4 against the Detroit Tigers. He went 4.1 innings, throwing 55 pitches.

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

The Blue Jays are giving the ball to Kevin Gausman for Game 1 on Sunday. It'll be a veteran versus a youngster in a massive game for two franchises seeking to end long droughts.

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