Mariners Spring Training is nearly over and Opening Day approaches. Let’s take a look at who’s trending up, who’s trending down, who’s injured and make a guess at what the roster will look like.
TheMarinersare winding down Spring Training for the year with just over two weeks left before Opening Day. General ManagerJerry Dipotoand managerScott Servaishave made decisions about players that will affect the Opening Day roster and beyond as they try to whip this team into shape in time to start the season.
Several Mariners have returned from World Baseball Classic action that saw the United States win their first WBC title.Several Seattle players had memorable momentsfor their respective teams in the tournament, includingJean Segurabreaking out for the Dominican Republic against Columbia.Edwin Diaznailed down a crucial save against the Netherlands, andDrew SmylyandFelix Hernandezduked it out against each other. It appears the Mariners stars are ready to start the MLB season.
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Servais and Dipoto decided to option presumed first base starterDan Vogelbachto AAA after his struggles this spring continued. Hisrecent 1-for-24, 10K slidedidn’t help matters. That means veteranDanny Valenciawill take over full-time first base duties andhit seventh in the Mariners lineup. Servais and Dipoto hoped Vogelbach would catch fire in the Arizona desert this spring and earn more at-bats so they could bench Valencia against righties (he’s a career .246/.288/.394 hitter against right-handed pitching in his career). Now it appears Servais will have lean on the veteran ex-Athletic more.
Elsewhere in the infield, after an impressive spring, M’s prospectTaylor Motterappears to be a‘near lock’ for the utility roleafterShawn O’Malleywent down with emergency appendectomy surgery and because of Vogelbach’s demotion.
Meanwhile, Hernandez, fresh off his excellent WBC performance against the US,shut down the San Francisco Giants for six innings, allowing one hit and striking out five in the win.
Steve CishekandTony Zychreportedlythrew well in rehab actionon their way back to joining the M’s bullpen.
Next: Mariners Statistical Predictions for the Lineup
Stay tuned for Mariners coverage on ECS as we get closer to the season!
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