The Seattle Mariner pitching not going well in the series
against the Texas Rangers. This after a so so series against the Minnesota
Twins where the Mariners split the series on the road; in that series the
Mariners had two good outings and two bad ones that continued onto Texas.
The Mariners had some good pitching from the long relievers
that they brought up from Tacoma that helped out the bullpen. Other words on
the positive side the bullpen was not overused which could have happened easily
if they hadn’t brought up those relievers. In fact those guys did so well that
in most cases they went the rest of the way when entering the game. On the
negative side besides losing the relievers haven’t had a lot of usage over the
past week either.
On Saturday Yovani Gallardo started the game giving up five
runs in the first inning which did not help the Mariners offense at all. I have
to say Cano struggled in his at bats because three times he came up with at
least two batters on base and was unable to drive any of them in. Also Nelson
Cruz and Kyle Seager have struggled through the series as well. Not sure what
Seager’s problem is but he hasn’t been doing very well as of late. Some fans
think he is trying to hit too many home runs. I am not sure if that is the case
however he does need to try hitting the other way. I have actually seen him
having trouble on the outside pitches.
On the positive side Mike Zunino continues to carry a hot
bat. I am sure the jury is still out but at this point he does look like the
Mariners catcher of the future as well as the present. When he was sent down to
Tacoma I thought that could be it for him. I am glad for him because he is a
good guy and plays wonderful defense. He is someone the Mariners need to have.
I am sure he will struggle at times however if he can hit some doubles and home
runs along with keeping a descent average the Mariners will be alright. The
important thing is that he doesn’t go back to his old ways again.
Saturday night Felix Hernandez had his third rehab assignment
at Tacoma where he pitched another wonderful game. He looks ready to go. I
expect we will see him late next week when the Mariners return home. What day
he will pitch will be determined soon. It will be the answer who he will
replace in the order. Will he take Gallardo’s spot or Christian Bergman’s? I like what Sam Gaviglio is doing on the
mound so he should stay in the rotation until Iwakuma returns. Speaking of him
he is expected to make another rehab assignment on Monday in Tacoma. If Gallardo is still on the roster by the end
of next week I would like to see him in the bullpen doing long relief until he
straightens thing out.
We will have the answers coming soon to the Mariners however
it is important that they get the starting pitching back in order before they
are too far out of the race.
Giving up so many runs early certainly makes it tough on the
offense that is for sure. Despite the pitching sometimes and the frustration
the hitting of Gamel, Haniger, Heredia and Dyson sure makes the team
entertaining and willing to watch. It would be nice if all four were in the
lineup at the same time.
Just heard that Felix will be pitching this coming Thursday
for the Mariners in Seattle and now we hope that James Paxton can get things
back in order. Let’s go M’s.
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