Sign Segura to Extension and Keep on Winning

 

There were reports during the game Tuesday night while the Mariners were beating up the Minnesota Twins in the first game of the series 12-3. The reports were that shortstop Jean Segura who currently is hurt with a bad ankle will sign a contract extension of five years for $70 million. Also that there would be option year as well and he will be around through 2023 at least. Now he is added to the core of the time along with Felix, Cano, Cruz and Seager.

Right now the Mariners infield is doing a good job. After only getting one hit against the Tampa Bay Rays in his first at bat Robinson Cano hit a three-run homer run in first inning. Heredia and Valencia each walked ahead of Cano to lead off the game. Valencia who has been hot and tied with nine hits in row with Raul Ibanez hit a double in the fourth inning while the bases are loaded. It was the only hit in the game by Valencia however he continues to a big part of the Mariners offense.

In the fourth inning Kyle Seager hit a three-run homer with no one out. Jarrod Dyson was the only one in the starting lineup that didn’t get a hit. Mike Zunino got one hit although he struck out three times. His batting continues to go up. He now is batting .217. If he continues to get at least one hit in the game his average should rise.

James Paxton who started the game got his fifth win of the season without a loss. He did struggle some in the game unlike his first outing after coming off the disabled list. His struggle probably had as much to do with having to wait for a while when the offense was scoring runs. With the signing of Segura sounds like Paxton will be the next one to get a contract extension. When that happens is anyone’s guess.

Yovani Gallardo goes for the Mariners on Wednesday against the Twins. He has struggled last several games he has to bounce back to keep his spot in the rotation especially with the return of Felix. Speaking of Felix he had a rehab assignment on Tuesday at Tacoma. He did struggle going two innings however he said that his arm was feeling find. He is expected to make another rehab assignment. Also Mitch Haniger made a rehab assignment at the same time with Tacoma. He played as designated hitter in that game however they expect him to play in the field on Wednesday which is a day game. This will give the Mariners a better idea how far he has come along. Not sure when Haniger will be activated after coming off the disabled list. When he does most likely Boog Powell will be sent back to Tacoma. The Mariners likely play the foursome of Haniger, Heredia, Dyson and Gamel a lot. Who plays the most will depend on who is hitting the best at the time. Haniger though will go back into the lineup as a regular. The others will play depending on whether a right hander or lefty is pitching for the other team. Anyway we hope that the offense will continue doing their job while the pitching goes well too.

Besides Paxton pitching five innings Tony Zych came in to pitch one inning giving up one hit and a walk. He was followed by Dan Altavilla who went two innings. Altavilla gave up four hits however no runs. He didn’t walk any batters and stuck out one batter. Nick Vincent finished the game in the ninth giving up just one hit but no walks or strike outs. The rest of the Mariners’ bullpen should be ready to go on Wednesday night.  Go M’s.