Paxton Makes First Spring Training Start

 The Seattle Mariners had split squad games on Wednesday. James Paxton who is expected to be the opening day starter though it hasn’t been made official yet and with the injury to Felix on Monday. The news right now is that Felix should be ready for opening day. When he makes his next start in spring training is not known at this time.

For those like Paxton who have already made the team the important thing is to just get in his innings and don’t get hurt either.  He pitched two innings gave up a double and a walk however no runs were scored. He was the starter against the San Diego Padres but the Mariners ended up losing 11-6.  The Mariners did take an early lead with Jean Segura hitting his first home run of the spring. The Mariners did start most of their regulars in this game. Not much happened with them outside of Gordon and Segura starting out the game.

The pitching besides Paxton and left specialist Marc Rzepczynski who pitched an inning after him the rest of the bullpen didn’t do a good job which I am sure we can all tell by the score. Christian Bergman who likely starts the season in Tacoma gave up six hits and five runs in the fourth inning.  Lefty James Pazos who is expected to be in the bullpen to give up three runs in the top of ninth inning before being taken out with two outs.

Andrew Moore who is competing for the fifth spot in the rotation didn’t do himself any favors by giving up six runs on seven hit in one and a third innings starting the game and the Mariners went on to lose 14-9. The rest of the pitchers used are not expected to make the Mariners opening roster.

The Mariners did start that game off in the top of the first when centerfielder Braden Bishop out of University of Washington hit a double and a home run from Andrew Romine who is competing for the utility role with Taylor Motter. Actually Motter hit a two-run double in the top of the first as well. It put the Mariners up 6-0 however Moore gave up two runs in the first and four more in the second to tie the game. The Royals scored six more runs in the third inning to make it 12-6. The Mariners scored a run in the top of the sixth on a home run by Gordon Beckham who played second base has an outside chance to be the utility player and he will likely start at Tacoma adding depth to the position.  The season will start four weeks from tomorrow (Thursday) so still time to see who makes and who does not.

Ariel Miranda will make his second start of the spring Wednesday. He struggled a little bit in the first game but didn’t give up a run. Right now with Erasmo Ramirez out and no status on him at this point Miranda is competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. Being his second start he could go three innings this time out. The Mariners will face the Cleveland Indians.

Mike Leake will make his second start on Thursday against the Kansas City and then on Friday Marco Gonzales will take his second start against the Milwaukee Brewers. Relievers Dave Phelps and Tony Zych haven’t been put into games as of yet. The Mariners are taking time with them both because of off-season surgery. Outfielder Mitch Haniger hasn’t seen any action as well because of his sore right hand and needs to be cleared by the doctors before he can play in a game. First baseman Ryon Healy isn’t hitting yet but is taking grounds at first base however fellow first baseman did see action on Tuesday as designated hitter against the Royals. He scored on a run, no hits and walked twice before being replaced.

No announcement has been made who will pitch on the weekend but likely James Paxton will start on Sunday since it will be the fifth day after yesterday. Other words who will start in the place of Felix on Saturday isn’t known.

All we pray right now is that no one else will get hurt especially on the pitching staff the rest of spring training. Go M’s.  

In other local sports news the Washington Huskies men’s basketball Pac-12 regular season final two games happen this week. The Huskies will face the Oregon State Beavers on Thursday and Oregon Ducks on Saturday both at home. Next week will be the Pac-12 tournament. For the Huskies to make the NCAA tournament they need to beat the Ducks and Beavers at home along with showing well in the Pac-12 tournament. We are wishing them the best.

Nothing new on the front of the Seahawks other than general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll getting to together about what are on the plans coming up for the rest of the off-season. Nothing happens so far when it comes to player transactions at this time. I will do analysis when those things happen. Go Hawks.