Bryan Woo Seeks Answers After Another Rough Outing in Mariners’ Loss

The Seattle Mariners continue to navigate an uneven season, and right-hander Bryan Woo has become one of the clearest examples of the team’s inconsistency after another difficult outing in a loss to the Baltimore Orioles. The 26-year-old struggled again on the road, adding to a growing pattern of uneven performances that have contributed to Seattle hovering near the .500 mark.

Woo, who played a key role in the Mariners’ success last season, including leading the staff in innings pitched and strikeouts, has not been able to replicate that form consistently in 2026. His latest start saw him surrender seven runs in a 7-5 defeat, with most of the damage coming in a turbulent third inning that included multiple home runs.

The outing marked the fourth time this season that Woo has allowed five or more runs in a game, a trend that has made it difficult for Seattle to build sustained momentum during his starts. Despite flashes of effectiveness, extended stretches of control have been elusive.

For a Mariners team trying to push beyond years of near-misses and inconsistency, Woo’s struggles have become part of a larger concern about stability in the rotation.

1. Early Promise And Growing Frustration

Woo’s rise within the Mariners’ rotation has been marked by both promise and pressure since his emergence as a key starter. Drafted in 2021, he developed into one of the organization’s more reliable arms during stretches of the previous season. In 2025, he delivered a strong campaign that included leading the team in innings pitched and strikeouts, helping Seattle capture its first division title in more than two decades. That performance elevated expectations for him entering the following year. However, the current season has presented a far less consistent picture. While his raw ability remains evident, the command and rhythm that defined his breakout have fluctuated significantly from start to start. Those inconsistencies have made it difficult for the Mariners to establish momentum when he takes the mound, as early innings often dictate the tone of his outings in both positive and negative ways.

2. Road Struggles And Key Inning Problems

One of the most persistent issues for Woo this season has been his performance away from home, where he has struggled to maintain the same level of control he shows at T-Mobile Park. Thursday’s outing in Baltimore continued that trend. The decisive third inning highlighted the challenges, as he allowed multiple home runs, including blasts from Colton Cowser and Pete Alonso, contributing to a six-run frame that effectively swung the game. Once innings spiral, Woo has often found it difficult to recover within the same start. This pattern has repeated itself throughout the season, with several outings featuring one or two high-scoring innings that undermine otherwise manageable performances. Opposing lineups have capitalized quickly once he loses command. Despite occasional flashes of dominance, the inconsistency in avoiding big innings has become the defining issue of his 2026 campaign so far.

3. Accountability And Search For Solutions

Following the game, Woo did not shy away from responsibility, expressing clear frustration with his recent performances and the lack of improvement. His remarks reflected both accountability and uncertainty about how to correct the ongoing issues. He acknowledged that repeated struggles have left him searching for answers, signaling how difficult it has been to identify a consistent adjustment that can stabilize his outings. The emotional tone underscored the weight of expectations placed on him after last season’s success. Statistically, Woo now holds a 4.28 ERA with 79 strikeouts over 82 innings, numbers that reflect a mix of competence and inconsistency rather than clear regression or dominance. The balance highlights how close he has been at times to turning outings in his favor. His next scheduled start at home offers a chance to reset in a more comfortable environment, where he has generally performed better, and where the Mariners hope he can reestablish the form that once made him a key piece of their rotation.