The Mariners Just Made Their Opening Day Call and It Changes Everything
Opening day is nearly here, and the Mariners finally submitted their roster Thursday morning. After a spring training full of surprises, injuries, and some tough decisions, Seattle's got a clearer picture of who's ready to go when the season kicks off. Let's break down who made the cut and what it means for this team.
The Rotation is Set, But Bryce Miller's Out
Here's the big one: Emerson Hancock is your opening day starter. For the third straight season, he's made the opening day roster as part of the rotation alongside Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryan Woo, and Luis Castillo. Hancock replaces Bryce Miller, who's dealing with oblique tightness that popped up during his first Cactus League start. The pitching coaches have been raving about Hancock's improved velocity and his breaking stuff this spring, so this isn't a panic move. It's actually a smart one.
Miller's not on the injured list yet, but he will be. The Mariners are being patient with his recovery because oblique issues linger if you rush them. He hasn't even started throwing with full intent in bullpen sessions yet. Once he clears that threshold, he's looking at at least two more bullpens, then one or two live batting practice sessions, and finally a rehab stint. The luxury of having Hancock pitching this well? Seattle doesn't have to panic.
Crawford's Going Down, Rivas Steps Up
J.P. Crawford's heading to the injured list to start the season. Shoulder fatigue and inflammation limited him to just seven games all spring training. He got a cortisone injection a week ago and has been working in the cage, with a throwing progression scheduled. But without enough game reps, the Mariners are playing it safe and letting him get ready on the injured list.
That means Leo Rivas gets shortstop duties to start the year. Meanwhile, Miles Mastrobuoni's also heading to the injured list after a calf strain at the World Baseball Classic. He's close to being ready but hasn't played in over a week, so he'll need rehab games. Ryan Bliss takes the final bench infield spot after missing most of last season with a torn biceps and torn meniscus that required surgery.
The Bullpen is Set, The Outfield is Locked
The relief corps has been essentially locked in since spring training started. Your leverage arms are Andres Muñoz, Gabe Speier, and Matt Brash. Jose A. Ferrer, acquired in a trade with the Nationals this offseason, will help bridge the gap. Eduard Bazardo, who pitched well for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, is your pivot pitcher. Cooper Criswell handles the long reliever role, and Carlos Vargas and Casey Legumina round it out. This bullpen won't have much roster flexibility if injuries strike, so depth matters.
Outfield is straightforward: Julio Rodriguez leads the way alongside Randy Arozarena, Victor Robles, Luke Raley, Dom Canzone, and Rob Refsnyder. The Mariners are ready. Now let's see if they can actually execute when it counts.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.