"SEATTLE -- Luis Castillo's smile was small and tight as he heard Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson tell him on the mound that he was being replaced. It was the third inning of the American League Championship Series, with the Mariners trying to hold off the Toronto Blue Jays, who had already won one game on the Mariners' home field. Castillo, who had thrown fewer pitches than he had in any of his 247 starts in the major leagues, nodded in assent -- if not agreement --"
"What the Mariners' staff had talked about going into Game 4, Wilson explained, was that Seattle wanted to be aggressive in going to the bullpen. When Toronto blew out the Mariners in Game 3, Wilson was able to hold back all of his best relievers: Gabe Speier, Matt Brash and Andres Munoz. Additionally, Bryan Woo -- who had been Seattle's best pitcher before getting hurt Sept. 20 -- would be available out of the bullpen, if Wilson found a suitable opportunity."
Luis Castillo was removed in the third inning after being told on the mound he was being replaced. Seattle's relievers failed to contain Toronto's offense and the Mariners lost 8-2, leaving the series tied at two games apiece. Manager Dan Wilson said decisions must be lived with and described a plan to be aggressive with the bullpen. Wilson had preserved top relievers after Game 3 and expected Bryan Woo to be available out of the pen if a suitable opportunity arose. Castillo is a three-time All-Star who has shown diminished swing-and-miss rates this season, complicating rotation decisions.
Read at ESPN.com
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