Emerald City Swagger
Fansided

Jamie Moyer’s Notebook: Seattle Mariners vs. Tampa Bay Rays May 27, 2015

By James Silberman

facebooktwitterreddit

Jamie Moyer‘s Notebook is the most in-depth Mariners game preview on the internet! The daily JMN will be posted here at Emerald City Swagger two hours prior to the first pitch. Make Jamie Moyer’s Notebook part of your game-day routine.

Seattle Mariners (22-23) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (24-23) 10:10 AM PST

Pitching Matchup: Felix Hernandez RHP (7-1, 2.19 ERA) vs. Chris Archer RHP (5-4, 2.40 ERA)

Hernanadez: In his past six starts against the Rays, Hernandez has a 1.77 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP in 45.2 innings with 63 strikeouts. That, of course, includes a 15-strikeout perfecto. Around this time last season (May 18th to be exact), Felix started a historic streak of 16 consecutive ultra quality starts, something that no one else has ever done in the history of baseball. Felix started a new UQS streak in his most recent start on May 22nd. He will look to make it two this afternoon.

Archer: The young righty has been really good in 2015 with a 2.40 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. And if you take out two poor starts at the beginning of May, he has been fantastic (1.24 ERA, 0.93 WHIP). We’ll see how he does against a lefty-heavy Seattle lineup with Kyle Seager (12-game hitting streak and reached base in 21 straight) and Robinson Cano (four-for-his-last-nine) riding hot streaks.

Lineups: 

Apr 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager (15) hits during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Mariners 

1. Austin Jackson CF

2. Seth Smith RF

3. Robinson Cano 2B

4. Nelson Cruz DH

5. Kyle Seager 3B

6. Logan Morrison 1B

7. Brad Miller SS

8. Dustin Ackley LF

9. Mike Zunino C

Notes: There are plenty of candidates for a big game today. Jackson got off to a great start in his return yesterday and Seager single-handedly won the game. Robinson Cano and Logan Morrison are also seeing the ball well and Mike Zunino has played fantastic after off-days. It’s also been a while since we’ve seen Cruz take one deep…

Tampa Bay Rays 

Jamie Moyer

‘s Notebook: Seattle Mariners vs. Tampa Bay Rays May 26, 2015″ width=”270″ height=”367″ /> May 25, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman

Evan Longoria

(3) singles during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Kevin Kiermaier CF

2. Joey Butler DH

3. Evan Longoria 3B

4. David DeJesus LF

5. Logan Forsythe 1B

6. Nick Franklin SS

7. Jake Elmore 2B

8. Brandon Guyer RF

9. Rene Rivera C

Notes: David DeJesus has had success against Felix in his career, hitting .333 with four doubles and a home run, which is probably why he’s batting fourth for the first time this season. Former Mariner Nick Franklin is probably running out of time to grab a hold of the second base spot, as he is hitless in his last 17 at-bats after starting his call-up with a multi-hit performance.

Three Things to Watch For: 

1. Felix dominates 

As mentioned earlier, Felix Hernandez owns Tampa Bay. Last time out, Felix was called upon to end a slump. This time, he will be called upon to complete a sweep. The Mariners get it done with the help of 7.0 scoreless innings from the King.

2. Mike Z does something spectacular

He always does after after a day off. Whether he gets a pair of hits, multiple RBI or crushes one to left, or maybe a combination of all three, Zunino will have himself a day. Hopefully the acquisition of Welington Castillo will continue to motivate him to up his game.

3. Carson Smith makes ’em whiff

Carson is on a tear right now. Well, technically his entire career is one giant tear, but especially in his past eight appearances. Smith has gone 8.1 innings while giving up ZERO runs and only four base-runners while striking out 10. He will punch out at least two more today.

Last game’s predictions:

1. The Return of A-Jax–Hit 

Between his lead-off single, stolen base, run scored, and great catch, Jackson had this prediction checked off within the first 20 minutes. Good to see him back in there. 

More from Seattle Mariners

2. Welington Castillo Splitting Time?–Out

0-5 with a strikeout. Not much else to say. However, giving Mike Zunino a day off just about always pays off the next day.

3. You See What ‘Happ’ens Larry?!–Out

J.A. pitched well after a rocky first inning, giving up three runs through six, but didn’t go far enough to get the hit here. Nonetheless, his consistency is a calming presence for this rotation and team.

Season Tally:

Outs: 27     Hits: 18     Batting Average: .400

Make Jamie Moyer’s Notebook a part of your game day routine by subscribing below!

Next: It's Time To Demote Taijuan Walker, Promote Mike Montgomery

Home/Seattle Mariners