The Seattle Mariners are shaking things up as spring training ramps up, and some key players are making their return! As the team heads back from a well-deserved break, they're gearing up to face the Los Angeles Angels' 2026 roster for the first time this spring. With the World Baseball Classic participants now having departed, the games are set to offer a fresh perspective, giving younger talent more exposure while veterans continue their tailored preparation.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson aptly described the current phase as a delicate balancing act: "It’s a matter of weighing what’s too much and what’s not enough and trying to strike that balance as we go forward." He emphasized the importance of strategic planning with the reduced player pool.
Big News: J.P. Crawford is back in the lineup! After managing a shoulder issue, Crawford will be stepping in as the designated hitter for Tuesday's game. He'll focus on hitting for the rest of the week, which is a welcome sight for fans. Adding to the excitement, Mitch Garver is set to make his spring debut after rejoining the Mariners on a minor league contract just two weeks ago.
Here's a peek at Tuesday's lineup:
- Brendan Donovan, 3B
- Rob Refsnyder, RF
- Luke Raley, LF
- Mitch Garver, C
- J.P. Crawford, DH
- Patrick Wisdom, 1B
- Ryan Bliss, 2B
- Colt Emerson, SS
- Rhylan Thomas, CF
On the mound, Bryan Woo is scheduled to pitch, with Michael Morales, Michael Rucker, Cole Wilcox, Casey Legumina, Domingo Gonzalez, and Robinson Ortiz also slated to throw.
The first pitch for this Cactus League matchup against the Angels is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. Seattle time. You can catch the live radio broadcast starting at noon on the Seattle Sports app.
But here's where things get a bit concerning...
Bryce Miller is slated for some light catch on Tuesday. This is to assess the left oblique soreness he experienced after his last start on Thursday. Will this setback impact his readiness? It's a question on many minds.
It was fantastic to see Cole Young record his first hit of the spring on Sunday – a massive 442-foot blast! While an 0-for-8 start might usually raise eyebrows, Wilson was thrilled with Young's performance, noting, "He feels like he wasn’t in a good spot at the plate yet, but to get that pitch and drive it like that was really good to see." Wilson added that Young possesses a "good swing" and "the power" is evident. The focus now is on helping him find that consistent contact and rhythm at the plate, which is often the trickiest part of spring training.
And this is the part most people miss...
The Mariners aren't just losing players to the World Baseball Classic; coaches are heading out too! Two-thirds of the major league hitting staff are currently abroad. Senior Director of Hitting Strategy Edgar Martinez is coaching for Puerto Rico, and Assistant Hitting Coach Bobby Magallanes is with Mexico. Bullpen catcher Fleming Baez is also contributing to the Dominican Republic's team. Back in Peoria, hitting coach Kevin Seitzer is receiving ample support from the Triple-A hitting staff and organizational coordinators.
George Kirby threw a simulated game on Monday to stay on his pitching schedule, and all reports indicate it went well. Luis Castillo was also present at the complex, throwing a bullpen session.
What are your thoughts on Bryce Miller's oblique issue? Do you think the Mariners have enough depth to manage if he misses time? Let us know in the comments below!
