The Mariners look to win their first series of the season
The Mariners haven’t won a series yet this season. Tonight would be a great chance to change their fortunes, but in order to do so they’ll have to get past a tough pitcher in Framber Valdez, after just barely squeaking by with a win last night.
Lineups:
It’s a scheduled off-day for Jorge Polanco, although he’s available off the bench. Dylan Moore takes over as the leadoff hitter.
For the Astros, they’ve shuffled their lineup slightly. Both Houston’s major off-season signings will patrol the infield tonight, with Christian Walker again at first and Brendan Rodgers making his series debut at second, which also means the series debut of José Altuve, Left Fielder. Highly-touted top prospect Cam Smith also makes his first appearance of the series, given the challenge of manning T-Mobile Park’s idiosyncratic right field corner.
News:
The Mariners announced details on Victor Robles’s shoulder injury. He’s still having x-rays done later in the week and they expect to have an update then.
The Mariners also announced they’ve traded recently DFA’d reliever Cody Bolton to the Guardians for cash.
Captain’s Log:
“Victor is just such a big part of this club. Especially what he brings from an emotional standpoint, a life standpoint, the spirit he brings every single day, it’s just awesome to have him around. And that’s a big part of what we’ll miss.”
Today’s Game Information:
Game time: 6:40 PT
TV: ROOT Sports NW, with Aaron Goldsmith and Dave Valle
New this season, you can stream the ROOT broadcast with their new direct-to-consumer app. More details here.
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports with Rick Rizzs and Ryan Rowland-Smith
If you’re coming to the park for any of the games this series, don’t forget to come early for your Platinum Glove Cal Raleigh bobblehead, being given away at each game of the three-game set.
Today in Mariners History:
- 1977 – The Mariners win their first game in franchise history by defeating the California Angels 7-6, with a comeback, walkoff win, thus setting the tone for the rest of the franchise.
- 2013 – The Mariners faced the Houston Astros for the first time as an AL West opponent, recording a 3-0 shutout in the 2013 Safeco Field home opener.
- 2019 – Brief-but-beloved Mariner Edwin Encarnacion hits two home runs in the same inning, somehow the second time accomplishing the feat in his career (2013, TOR).
- 2022—Julio Rodríguez makes his MLB debut, and the Mariners announce a five-year contract extension with shortstop J.P. Crawford.