Kade Anderson is stepping up to the mound for the Seattle Mariners in a Friday night matchup against the Dodgers. As spring training winds down, Anderson’s presence in the lineup might not have been widely anticipated, but it’s a move that’s proving to be quite intriguing.
With the Mariners juggling an extra rotation spot this spring and Bryce Miller sidelined due to oblique inflammation, Anderson has been making the most of his opportunities. Each time he’s taken the ball, he’s given the team no reason to second-guess their decision.
Manager Dan Wilson shared his thoughts on Anderson’s performance, saying, “What we have seen from him has been pretty dynamic. This kid has shown us a lot of maturity and has thrown the ball well, so it will be a good test and a fun one tonight.”
Originally, the plan might not have included multiple starts for Anderson during spring training, but Wilson sees the value in these unexpected opportunities. “For him and Emerson Hancock to get the work they’ve had, along with Cooper Criswell, has been great. It’s a luxury to see Kade get another opportunity tonight.”
While it’s unlikely Anderson will make the team out of spring training, given that Miller’s return is on the horizon, the experience he’s gaining is invaluable. Wilson emphasized the importance of going through a professional season, noting, “You can’t put enough value on that. But knowing we have a special competitor who can throw well and maintain poise on the mound is exciting.”
Here's the lineup for tonight:
- Brendan Donovan, 3B
- Rob Refsnyder, DH
- Mitch Garver, C
- Connor Joe, RF
- Patrick Wisdom, 1B
- Colt Emerson, SS
- Rhylan Thomas, LF
- Jonny Farmelo, CF
- Brock Rodden, 2B
- Kade Anderson, SP
In relief, we have Jose Ferrer, Robinson Ortiz, Carlos Vargas, Guillermo Zuniga, and Tyler Cleveland ready to take the mound.
Catch the Mariners-Dodgers coverage starting at 6 p.m. on Seattle Sports 710 AM and the Seattle Sports app.
Notes:
- A decision on who will fill the fifth rotation spot while Miller is out is expected soon, according to Wilson.
- Ryan Sloan, another promising pitcher, impressed with a scoreless inning in a Cactus League start but hasn’t appeared in a big league game since. He’s been working on the minor league side to prepare for the regular season.
- All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz and assistant hitting coach Bobby Magallanes have returned from the World Baseball Classic after Mexico’s elimination. Randy Arozarena is expected back shortly.
- Miles Mastrobuoni is back in camp after leaving Team Italy early due to a calf injury. He’s been working with trainers, and the injury doesn’t seem serious.
- Due to high temperatures in Phoenix, the Mariners’ game against the Guardians on March 20 has been rescheduled to 6:05 p.m.
Stay tuned for more on the Seattle Mariners as spring training continues to unfold.