Mariners Rest After 15-Inning Win Before ALCS With Blue Jays

The Seattle Mariners are set to face the Toronto Blue Jays in a high-stakes American League Championship Series (ALCS) showdown — their first trip to this stage since 2001.

After dispatching the Detroit Tigers in the AL Division Series, Seattle chose to stay home before traveling late to Toronto, hoping rest and rhythm would pay off for Sunday’s opener.

Meanwhile, Toronto enters its first ALCS since 2016 after eliminating the Yankees. They’ve had extra time to prepare and have lined up a pitching rotation meant to seize early control in the series.

With history, health, and momentum all swirling together, this matchup feels like it could go in any direction.

Seattle’s Strategic Rest Ahead of ALCS Opener

After beating Detroit, the Mariners made the unusual call to stay in Seattle before heading up to Toronto at the last possible moment.

Manager Dan Wilson stressed that arriving rested and focused should help his club get off to a fast start in Game 1.

Seattle fans have waited 23 years for another shot at the ALCS. This renewed chase for a first-ever World Series berth has the city buzzing.

Still, the history isn’t all rosy: the Mariners have never advanced past the ALCS and haven’t won more than two games at this stage.

Bryce Miller’s Short Rest Start

Wilson will give the Game 1 ball to Bryce Miller, who last pitched just three days ago, tossing 55 pitches in his last outing.

He’s betting on Miller’s endurance and adaptability — traits that’ll get a real test against Toronto’s lineup in what’s likely to be a tense opener.

Short rest starts always feel risky, but October baseball sometimes demands it. Miller’s outing will say a lot about how Seattle’s pitching holds up in this series.

Toronto’s Well-Rested Rotation and Offensive Potential

The Blue Jays, after dispatching the Yankees, enjoyed a few extra days to reset and fine-tune their strategy.

Manager John Schneider will counter with ace Kevin Gausman, whose steady presence on the mound makes him an easy pick to lead the charge.

Gausman hasn’t pitched since October 4, so his arm should be fresh and his preparation thorough. Toronto’s pitching staff has been a strength all year, but now they’ll have to prove it in a grueling multi-game set.

Bo Bichette’s Possible Return

One subplot to watch: the possible return of Bo Bichette. He’s been out since early September with a knee injury but was seen running the bases Saturday.

If Bichette can play, Toronto’s lineup gets a big boost. His presence adds another layer of threat and could shift the series in subtle but real ways.

Key Series Storylines

Both clubs roll into the ALCS with confidence, leaning on their own strengths:

• Seattle’s Power Bat: Cal Raleigh has become a postseason force, his clutch home runs giving Seattle a real weapon in tight spots.
• Toronto’s Pitching Depth: The Jays have the arms to adapt, with rookie Trey Yesavage possibly starting Game 2 after striking out 11 Yankees in his playoff debut.
• Historical Motivation: Seattle wants to end their ALCS drought, while Toronto’s chasing its first World Series trip since 1993.

Regular Season Head-to-Head

Toronto took four of six regular-season meetings, which might give them a slight mental edge.

But postseason energy is its own animal. Seattle’s core of veterans won’t be rattled by those numbers, and the playoff atmosphere — with wild crowds and constant adjustments — can flip the script fast.

What’s at Stake

For Seattle, this series is a shot at making history. Mariners fans have waited forever to see a World Series game in their own backyard.

Toronto, on the other hand, wants to cash in on a roster that’s supposed to shine in October. It’s been almost thirty years since they tasted that kind of glory, and you can feel the hunger.

Both teams have leaned on a mix of strategic rest, sharp pitching, and big bats. That’s been their formula all season.

But only one will handle the pressure and find a way to the Fall Classic. When Sunday’s first pitch flies, the stakes are sky-high—and honestly, the storylines are wild.

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Here is the source article for this story: Mariners stay home to avoid fatigue after 15-inning win sets up ALCS battle with Blue Jays