As the final days of spring training unfold, teams like the Seattle Mariners face a whirlwind of scheduling challenges. With players returning from the World Baseball Classic and temperatures soaring into the low 100s, the Mariners and other Cactus League teams are juggling more than just their lineups in Arizona.
One key consideration is avoiding early-season opponents. To navigate this, teams often schedule "B games" to give their starters the necessary work without tipping their hand.
The Mariners found themselves in this scenario with a scheduled Cactus League game against the Guardians, their opening day opponent. To keep things under wraps, they set up a B game at 11 a.m. against the Padres on Field 1 in Peoria.
Enter Logan Gilbert, who was slated to make his final spring training start. Joining him was catcher Cal Raleigh, a surprise but welcome presence. Raleigh, eager to make up for lost at-bats, had been pushing himself, even asking to DH in a game against the A’s the previous night.
Gilbert expressed his gratitude for Raleigh's commitment, noting the comfort and familiarity of working with him. “It just feels comfortable,” Gilbert said after throwing 80 pitches.
The duo focused on getting back in sync, especially after Raleigh's stint at the WBC. Gilbert emphasized the importance of Raleigh understanding his current form and pitch preferences.
Interestingly, Gilbert opted not to use the PitchCom device he’s been considering for the regular season. Instead, he experimented with his sinker, a pitch Raleigh had previously been skeptical about.
But on this day, Raleigh was calling for it more than ever. “I threw four or five and he called seven or eight,” Gilbert joked.
“Roles reversed after 10 years.”
Gilbert has been tweaking the sinker, adjusting his grip and approach. Whether it becomes a regular-season weapon or remains a side project is still up in the air. However, Raleigh's openness to experimenting was evident, as he even called for a few changeups, a pitch they typically avoid.
Their collaboration is no surprise given their history together since being drafted in 2018. Gilbert praised Raleigh's preparation and consistency.
“He loves to be prepared as much as anybody,” Gilbert said. “That’s kind of who I am, and I love seeing him that way.”
As opening day approaches, the Mariners' battery looks ready to build on their strong foundation, with Gilbert and Raleigh leading the charge.