As we gear up for the Seattle Mariners' Opening Day, the spotlight shines on Mitch Garver, who’s expected to bring some positive vibes to the roster. But for Ryan Bliss and Casey Legumina, the season opener might signal a critical juncture in their careers.
The Mariners have trimmed their roster to 31 players, and both Bliss and Legumina are projected to make the final 26-man cut. This insight comes from Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, who notes that Bliss, along with Emerson Hancock, stands to gain from J.P.
Crawford's sore shoulder and Bryce Miller's oblique issue, both of which have landed them on the injured list. Legumina, meanwhile, is a strong candidate for the lone bullpen vacancy.
Bliss and Legumina are likely on short leashes if they make the cut. Hancock is expected to temporarily fill Miller’s rotation spot, but with Miller ramping up his fastball to 98 mph in recent bullpen sessions, his absence might be brief. Hancock, with a minor league option in his pocket, could see more action either as a starter or reliever when needed.
Bliss, however, needs to seize any opportunity that comes his way. Last season, injuries derailed his chance as the Mariners' starting second baseman.
Now, he’s buried under a depth chart but could prove invaluable if he showcases his speed and versatility. At 26, and previously ranked as the club’s No. 25 prospect by Baseball America, Bliss has the potential to be a key utility player and pinch-runner.
Legumina’s situation is a bit different. With no options left, he needs to improve on his previous ERA stats to avoid being designated for assignment.
Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope. His fastball, clocking in at 94.3 mph, held opponents to a .191 average last year, showing promise akin to Paul Sewald.
If Legumina falters, the Mariners have alternatives like Troy Taylor, Cole Wilcox, and Alex Hoppe waiting in the wings. Should Bliss struggle, Crawford’s return could shift Leo Rivas into his spot, complicating Bliss’s path back to the majors, especially with top prospect Colt Emerson eager to make his mark.
As the Mariners finalize their Opening Day roster, anticipation builds for their matchup against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. PT, and the season is about to get underway.