The Seattle Mariners are shaking things up as they gear up for the upcoming season, but a key player's health is raising eyebrows! As the team emerges from a much-needed break in their spring training schedule, they're set to face the Los Angeles Angels for the first time this year. This game marks a shift in focus, with the departure of World Baseball Classic participants allowing younger talent to shine and veterans to continue their measured preparation.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson aptly described the current situation: "It’s a matter of weighing what’s too much and what’s not enough and trying to strike that balance as we go forward." He emphasized the importance of strategic planning and smart decision-making as the roster composition evolves.
A welcome sight for fans is the return of J.P. Crawford to the lineup as the designated hitter. Crawford, who has been managing a shoulder issue, will be limited to hitting for the remainder of the week. Adding to the positive news, Mitch Garver is slated to make his spring debut after rejoining the Mariners on a minor league contract just two weeks ago. This signals a strengthening of the team's offensive potential.
Here's a glimpse at the projected lineup for Tuesday's game:
- Brendan Donovan, 3B
- Rob Refsnyder, RF
- Luke Raley, LF
- Mitch Garver, C
- J.P. Crawford, DH
- Patrick Wisdom, 1B
- Ryan Bliss, 2B
- Colt Emerson, SS
- Rhylan Thomas, CF
On the mound, Bryan Woo is scheduled to pitch, with Michael Morales, Michael Rucker, Cole Wilcox, Casey Legumina, Domingo Gonzalez, and Robinson Ortiz also slated to take the mound.
The first pitch for this Cactus League matchup against the Angels is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. Seattle time. For those who can't make it to Peoria Stadium, the live radio broadcast will kick off at noon on the Seattle Sports app.
But here's where it gets a bit concerning... Bryce Miller is scheduled for light catch on Tuesday to assess his left oblique soreness. This issue surfaced after his last Cactus League start on Thursday. The team is understandably cautious, and his availability will depend on how he feels.
And this is the part most people miss... While an 0-for-8 start in spring training might seem alarming, it's often just a temporary blip. We saw Cole Young record his first hit of the spring on Sunday – a 442-foot blast! Manager Wilson was thrilled to see Young connect, noting, "He feels like he wasn’t in a good spot at the plate yet, but to get that pitch and drive it like that was really good to see." Wilson highlighted Young's inherent power and the ongoing process of finding consistent contact and rhythm, which is a common challenge in spring training.
Adding another layer to the team's operational adjustments, the Mariners have seen not only players but also coaches depart for the World Baseball Classic. Two-thirds of the major league hitting staff – senior director of hitting strategy Edgar Martinez and assistant hitting coach Bobby Magallanes – are currently coaching for Puerto Rico and Mexico, respectively. Bullpen catcher Fleming Baez is also contributing to the Dominican Republic's team. Back in Peoria, hitting coach Kevin Seitzer is receiving ample support from the Triple-A hitting staff and organizational coordinators.
In other pitching news, George Kirby threw a simulated game on Monday to stay on schedule, and Luis Castillo was also at the complex for a bullpen session. Both are reportedly progressing well.
What do you think about the Mariners' spring training developments? Are you more concerned about Bryce Miller's oblique or excited about the potential of the younger players? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
