Tuesday the Mariners announced the signing of Kendall Graveman who previously pitched for the Oakland A's to a contract. Graveman has missed time by having Tommy John surgery.
There is news the Mariners are going to link a contract with another starting pitcher. The announcement isn't supposed to be made until Wednesday. This could be another pitcher who
missed time because of an injury as well.
Right now the Mariners starting rotation would be Marco Gonzales and Yusei Kikuchi for sure. Also, Justin Sheffield will be another. So the Mariners have room to add two more pitchers to the rotation. September the Mariners pitched Justin Dunn after calling him up from Double-A Arkansas. It is not sure whether he is ready to go or not. The Mariners are wanting to go young so the chance is he will be in there but not a sure thing.
In the 5th spot of the rotation, the Mariners may try the opener once again. It is a role that Justin Dunn starts at the beginning of the year. This would mean he would pitch two or three innings at best. The Mariners could bring Graveman in after that if he isn't considered the 3rd or fourth starter. They may use the bullpen as well depending on how long the other starters go in the game.
I thought last year Erik Swanson would fit well in the opener spot, however, the Mariners are planning to use him out of the bullpen now. It doesn't mean he still couldn't be an opener though. He could start once a week go an inning or two then come out of the bullpen once a week.
Another candidate as an opener or starter is Nestor Cortes Jr a lefty the Mariners acquired from the Yankees on Monday for international Monday.
The whole starting rotation for the Mariners will be interesting going into next season. We will know more Wednesday about this pitcher the Mariners are signing. Go M's.
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