Get ready for an exciting update on the Seattle Mariners! The team is back in action after a well-deserved break, and they're bringing some thrilling news and developments to the table.
The Mariners are set to face off against the '26 Angels in a highly anticipated game at Peoria Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. But here's where it gets interesting: with all the World Baseball Classic participants now out of camp, the younger players will have a chance to shine and showcase their skills. It's an opportunity for these rising stars to make their mark and for the veterans to continue building their momentum.
Mariners GM Will Kade Anderson has even hinted at the possibility of top pitching prospects making their debut this season! (Check out the link for more details: https://sports.mynorthwest.com/mlb/seattle-mariners/seattle-mariners-gm-will-kade-anderson-ryan-sloan-debut-26/1840862)
Manager Dan Wilson shared his thoughts on managing the smaller player mix in camp: "It's all about finding that delicate balance between giving players enough playing time and not overdoing it. We're mapping out a smart strategy as we go along."
And this is the part most fans have been waiting for... Two veteran players are making their highly anticipated returns to the lineup on Tuesday! First, J.P. Crawford, the designated hitter, is back after dealing with a shoulder issue. He'll be hitting exclusively for the remainder of the week. Second, Mitch Garver, who signed a minor league contract two weeks ago, will make his spring debut behind the plate.
The starting lineup for this exciting game includes:
- 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
Starting pitcher: Bryan Woo
Other pitchers scheduled to take the mound: Michael Morales, Michael Rucker, Cole Wilcox, Casey Legumina, Domingo Gonzalez, and Robinson Ortiz.
First pitch for this Cactus League game against the Los Angeles Angels is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. Seattle time. You can catch the live radio broadcast starting at noon on the Seattle Sports app.
Now, here's a quick health update on pitcher Bryce Miller. He's scheduled to play a light catch on Tuesday to assess his left oblique soreness, which surfaced after his Cactus League start last Thursday. Let's hope he gets the green light soon! (For more details, check out this article: https://sports.mynorthwest.com/mlb/seattle-mariners/seattle-mariners-bryce-miller-setback-oblique/1840621)
Another exciting development: Cole Young, who was 0 for 8 in early spring training, finally connected with his first hit of the spring on Sunday! It was a massive 442-foot blast off a hanging slider. Manager Wilson was thrilled to see Young's power in action. "He's got a great swing, and we've seen the potential. We'll continue to give him the time he needs to find his rhythm and consistent contact."
Watch the highlight of Cole Young's mammoth first HR here: https://sports.mynorthwest.com/mlb/seattle-mariners/watch-cole-young-mashes-mammoth-1st-hr-of-spring-training/1840765
The Mariners have also been impacted by the World Baseball Classic, not just in terms of player losses but also coaching staff. Two-thirds of the major league hitting staff have left for the WBC, with Edgar Martinez and Bobby Magallanes coaching for Puerto Rico and Mexico, respectively. Fleming Baez, the bullpen catcher, is also working with the team from the Dominican Republic. Back in Peoria, hitting coach Kevin Seitzer has a full support system with the Triple-A hitting staff and organizational coordinators pitching in.
Lastly, George Kirby threw a sim game on Monday to stay on track, and all reports indicate it went smoothly. Luis Castillo was also at the complex, throwing a bullpen session.
Stay tuned for more updates from Seattle Mariners spring training! Here are some additional articles to keep you in the loop:
- Three unexpected early standouts from Mariners camp: https://sports.mynorthwest.com/mlb/seattle-mariners/3-unexpected-early-standouts-from-mariners-camp/1840780
- Cal Raleigh rocks his Team USA gear for the World Baseball Classic: https://sports.mynorthwest.com/mlb/seattle-mariners/see-mariners-cal-raleigh-in-his-team-usa-gear-for-world-baseball-classic/1840878
- Brendan Donovan impresses with his 'tremendous' addition to the clubhouse: https://sports.mynorthwest.com/mlb/seattle-mariners/seattle-mariners-brendan-donovan-charlie-furbush/1840443
- Wyman and Bob discuss the M's bounce-back candidate who could be an 'impact player': https://sports.mynorthwest.com/wyman-and-bob/wyman-and-bob-seattle-mariners-bounce-back-candidate-can-be-impact-player/1840749
- Seattle Mariners Notebook: Gilbert working on pitches; Sloan makes a strong debut: https://sports.mynorthwest.com/mlb/seattle-mariners/notebook-gilbert-working-on-pitches-sloan-makes-strong-debut/1840786
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What are your thoughts on the Mariners' spring training so far? Any predictions for the upcoming season? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!