The World Baseball Classic is in full swing, meaning, depending on your cable package and/or scruples about digging into less savory realms of the internet, you are flush with baseball-watching possibilities. One of those options is the Mariners game today, as it is most days from today until at least October, which is pretty neat. Today’s game against the Cincinnati Reds will feature a starting pitcher who chose to stick around camp with his new team over pitching for the Netherlands, Chase de Jong. The newest Mariners starter is slated for three innings of work as he prepares to start the season in Tacoma. He’ll face half of what the Reds intend to bring to bear come the regular season, as they are engaging in a split-squad today.
Luckily, this half will provide a good test, including former-almost-definitely-a-Mariner SS Zack Cozart and lonely superstar Joey Votto. Sadly, we’ll miss former Mariner Patrick Kivlehan. Additionally, leadoff man José Peraza will be the best bet to neither walk nor strike out on the day, and put some pressure on the Mariners’ backup infielders with blazing speed. Other than Kyle Seager taking a day off for the last time until 2021, the Mariners lineup looks about as normal as can be, sans their Dominican stars. LHP Brandon Finnegan, the Reds’ starting pitcher, was a 1st round pick in 2014, and works a sinker-slider-changeup combo, with velocity that sits in the low-90s. Finnegan had decent results last year in his first full MLB season, but the 23 year-old struggled with control.
(Speaking of those absent Dominican stars, if you’re missing some Nelson Cruz and Robinson Canó in your life, Isabelle did a wonderful analysis of a joint interview the two did this week.)
Lineups:
#Mariners Gameday Information - March 11 vs. #Reds: https://t.co/FnwtqJubpU pic.twitter.com/PrQqbWTCRy
— MarinersPR (@MarinersPR) March 11, 2017
Where do I Rooooooot?
Gametime: 12:10 PM PT
TV: ROOTNW
Radio: 710 AM KIRO
Stream: It appears not, but you can stream Columbia-Canada right now and see Tyler O’Neill on a second device if you’re feeling fancy.
Go M’s.