into the all-star break the starting pitching
has been the bright spot for the team. In
fact they deserve more credit than a team
one game over .500.
The starting pitching has been great
despite the loss of Robbie Ray for the
season in his first. The Mariners were
looking for great things from Ray after
he had a great spring. Chris Flexen took
his spot in the rotation however he did
terrible and was sent to the bullpen
where he didn't do much better and
was traded to the New York Mets where
he was designated for assignment right
away after the Mariners had done the
same thing. Flexen's confidence must
be low however he has been there before
playing in Korea before the Mariners signed
him. We wish him the best.
Bryce Miller was brought up from double-A
ball to take the spot of Flexen. Though the
Mariners pitching prospects he has been a good
and pleasant surprise. Bryce made 11 starts
for the Mariners before going on the injured
list with a blister on his throwing hand at
the end of June. He had seven starts going
at least six innings. Currently has 5-3 record
and an era of 3.97. Hopefully see good things
from him in the second half.
Marco Gonzales had a solid season as the
fifth starter before going on the injured. Right
now the Mariners are not sure he will return
this season. Marco made ten starts before
going on injured list at the end of May. His
earn run average is over five however he has
a record of 4-1 and pitched six innings four
times.
Bryan Woo was brought up to take Marco's
spot in the rotation. He had a rough outing
in his first outing however been solid ever
since. There is thought Bryan won't pitch
as much after the break. It will be interesting
to see who may take his spot in rotation.
Woo has started seven games with an era
of 3.63 and 1-1 record. His last five starts
he pitched five innings or more.
Logan Gilbert in his last two starts on July
4 and 9th he looked like he should be joining
George Kirby and Luis Castillo on the all-star
team. He started 18 games with a 7-5 record.
Logan went at least six innings in 12 games.
On July 4th he pitched his first complete game
and shutout against the SF Giants. We may see
great pitching from him the rest of the way.
George Kirby has had a solid season. He should
have been the Mariners first selection to the
All-star team. Kirby started 17 games before the
break with a record of 8-7 and an era of 3.09. The
amazing thing George had only ten walks in 107
innings. The best in the majors. Though Luis Castillo
is considered the ace you could give the job to
Kirby. Castillo started 18 games with a record of
6-6. Amazing about him despite having some lapses
in the season he has an era of 2.86. He pitched
marvelous when he gave up runs early and the
offense was able to come back and get the team
back in the game.
It will be hard for the Mariners to make the playoffs
however if they do it will be about the starting pitching
and the offense to score enough runs.
Cal Raleigh and Tom Murphy have been solid behind
the back stop this season. The pitchers can trust
both of them calling and blocking balls in the dirt.
Cal has 265 at bats while hitting .223 and 11 home runs.
It would be nice to see the numbers go up some after
the break. Tom Murphy got off to a slow start at the plate
in April however has been solid since. In 97 at bats Tom
is batting .278 and has five home runs. He has become
Logan Gilbert's every game catcher. We should see
him games still against lefties at catcher or dh. A lot
depends how healthy he and Cal stay.
Next time we will look at the bullpen, position and
bench players. Most likely the Mariners make a
trade before the deadline it will be for an outfielder
and a bench player. Go M's.
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