Mariners Take One in Oakland Other Notes

 

 The Seattle Mariners finally won a game in Oakland against the A’s. The final score was 11-1 on Sunday after losing the previous three games. Taylor Motter who will go back to being the utility player hit a grand slam for Mariners and then Nelson Cruz hit a three-run homer to put the game out of the reach. It would have been nice if the Mariners offense could have saved a few runs for another game.

Saturday the Mariners had a chance to win the game. Chase De Jong who the Mariners brought up to replace Dan Altavilla temporarily pitched four innings in place of starter Ariel Miranda who was struggling early in the game. De Jong came in the fourth inning to replace Miranda. He only gave up one hit and then was sent back down on Sunday. Chris Heston was brought up for the Mariners to have another fresh arm to pitch long relief. The Mariners do have an off day on Monday before starting a three game series on Tuesday in Detroit against the Tigers. The Mariners are expected to add Steve Cishek in the next few days for the bullpen. At that point Heston probably be sent back to Tacoma.

The biggest news of the day that came as a surprise to everyone was the designated for assignment of center fielder Leonys Martin. The Mariners can’t directly send Martin down to the minor leagues so the reason for the dfa. If he is not picked up on waivers or traded the Mariners than can send him to Tacoma to get his hitting back on track.  He has a contract for over $4 million so likely another team will not pick him up for the full amount. If the Mariners do trade him than likely they will probably have to pay a partial of the contract. There are several teams that do need an outfielder but not at that amount.

Yovani Gallardo had his best game pitching for the Mariners. He pitched six and one-third innings give up only four hits. Gallardo has had some good years pitching in the major leagues especially for the Milwaukee Brewers however he had a bad season last year and for the reason why the Baltimore Orioles were willing to trade him.  In the other games for the Mariners he did pitch well at times just had a bad inning. The Mariners are hoping this will start to better things for Gallardo.

In regards to Miranda he had a poor game hitting his spots and why he lasted only three games. The Mariners are hoping working with him he will be straighten back for them.

Now the Mariners need to see if there are any other measures they must do to get going on the road. Now they are 2-9 in road games while being 6-3 at home. They are tied with the Los Angles Angels in last place with a record of 8-12.

The Mariners will start Felix Hernandez in the first game against the Tigers followed by James Paxton and Iwakuma. Felix did struggle in his last outing though the Mariners lost. Paxton had his worst outing pitching against the A’s in the opening game in Oakland. Iwakuma pitched Ok however the Mariners lost his game too.

The Mariners figure to have Jean Segura back on Tuesday to play shortstop. I am sure he will go back to being the lead-off batter since Mitch Haniger has done such a good job batting second in the order.  Jarrod Dyson who likely will play a lot in center field for the time being will go back to the bottom of the batting order.  Taylor Motter who did an excellent job for Segura will play a lot at different positions. He will probably play some left field along with first base depending on whether Danny Valencia can start hitting or not. In the move with Martin the Mariners brought up first baseman Daniel Vogelbach. The Mariners likely will platoon Vogelbach with Valencia or Motter.  According to manager Scott Servais we will see a lot of Motter in the lineup. Also Guillermo Heredia who played a lot against the Oakland A’s will play a lot in left or center field. Against tough lefties especially Heredia could play center with Motter in left. He will play left field when Dyson is in the lineup and Motter isn’t in left.

Kyle Seager missed the last two games because of a sore hip. He is expected back in the lineup on Tuesday however if he isn’t ready to go we will likely see Motter at third base. Michael Freeman who played third base the last two days will probably be sent back to Tacoma with Segura added back to the roster. We hope that Segura will hit like he did before going on the disabled list. He played the weekend of AA Arkansas while on a rehab assignment.

At this point there hasn’t been any news about utility player Shawn O’Malley. He can come off the list anytime however likely will do a rehab assignment himself. When that will happen is anyone’s guess since Dipoto or Servais hasn’t mentioned it. Also there is no news about reliever Shae Simmons when he will come off the disabled list either. He most likely goes on a rehab assignment as well. Both O’Malley and Simmons could be assigned to Tacoma after the rehab assignment as well. So more questions are ready to be answered for the Mariners however the best answer is for the Mariners to start winning on the road. If the problem continues more transactions will probably happen. In the meantime go M’s.