As the Cactus League kicks off, the Seattle Mariners are gearing up to get their World Baseball Classic players ready to depart in just a week. With this timeline in mind, expect to see veterans logging more time on the field in these early games.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson emphasized the importance of getting these players the necessary at-bats to ensure they're game-ready. “Communication is key,” Wilson noted, highlighting the need to monitor how players feel and respond day-to-day.
For the younger talent not immediately heading to the WBC, the Mariners have a plan in place. They'll be getting live at-bats on the back fields, ensuring they and several pitchers get the work they need.
Today's lineup features some of these young prospects:
- Luke Raley, CF
- Cal Raleigh, C
- Julio Rodríguez, DH
- Josh Naylor, 1B
- Randy Arozarena, LF
- J.P.
Crawford, SS
- Dominic Canzone, RF
- Michael Arroyo, 2B
- Colt Emerson, 3B
Starting on the mound is Dane Dunning, with Cooper Criswell, Blas Castaño, Alex Hoppe, Troy Taylor, Michael Rucker, and Nick Davilla also set to pitch against the Padres.
Catch the Mariners Radio Network coverage starting at noon on Seattle Sports 710 AM and the Seattle Sports app, with the first pitch against the Padres at 12:10 p.m.
In preparation for the season, the Mariners held a meeting to discuss the new automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system. They plan to experiment with it during spring training, although Wilson mentioned they might discourage pitchers from challenging calls given their distance from home plate.
Looking ahead, here are the probable Mariners pitchers for the next few games:
- Saturday vs. Giants: Emerson Hancock, Casey Lawrence, Andrés Muñoz, Eduard Bazardo, Gabe Speier, Charlie Beilenson, Guillo Zuñiga.
- Sunday at Reds: Randy Dobnak, Jhonathan Díaz, Casey Legumina, Ryan Loutos, Robinson Ortiz, Cole Wilcox, Domingo Gonzalez.
With spring training in full swing, the Mariners are focused on balancing preparation for the WBC and developing their promising young talent.