Mariners tab RHP Bryce Miller to start Game 1 of ALCS vs. Blue Jays

Field Level Media|published: Sat 11th October, 17:22 2025

MLB: Playoffs-Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers

Oct 8, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryce Miller (50) throws to the plate in the first inning during game four of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller will start Game 1 of the American League Championship Series when Seattle visits the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday in the opener of the best-of-seven series.

Miller is the freshest option after starters Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert pitched in relief of Seattle's epic 3-2, 15-inning victory over the Detroit Tigers in the fifth and final game of the AL Division Series on Friday night.

Miller, 27, pitched in Wednesday's Game 4 at Detroit and was relieved after 55 pitches, which he found disappointing. The Mariners led 3-0 when he was pulled after 4 1/3 innings but he ended up being charged with two runs to go with four hits and zero walks. He struck out two.

Seattle lost that game 9-3 before returning home to win the classic Game 5.

In the regular season, Miller was 4-6 with a 5.68 ERA in 18 starts. The outing against the Tigers was his first career postseason start.

Right-hander Kevin Gausman is starting Game 1 for the Blue Jays. He won Game 1 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees on Oct. 4 when he gave up one run and four hits over 5 2/3 innings.

The Mariners have until Sunday morning to turn in their ALCS roster and are leaning toward including All-Star right-hander Bryan Woo, who missed the ALDS.

Woo hasn't pitched since Sept. 19 due to a pectoral injury. Woo threw a bullpen session Friday and officials want to see how he recovers.

Woo, 25, went 15-7 with a 2.94 ERA in 30 regular-season starts.

--Field Level Media