The last full week that we were writing game threads and recaps here at Lookout Landing, the Mariners were in the thick of the playoff race, fighting for their lives. This week has been nearly inconsequential in comparison, and the scores at the end of the game might as well be discarded, but any way you slice it, it’s more fun to start out 5-1 than 1-5. The M’s also need to get the most out of this group while it’s here before half their starting lineup departs to play for their nation’s pride.
Servais says WBC position players like Cano, Cruz, Segura will play today & tomorrow before leaving. Felix pitches Sunday, then departs.
— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) March 3, 2017
A bit of silver lining here is that the first ROOT televised Spring Training game, Sunday at 12:10 PM PT, will be started by Félix Hernández himself. Next week, however, will be a bit sparse in Mariners-ville, so get this while you can, or get ready for some new names.
Dipoto on losing 10 players from ML camp to WBC quipped, "Yeah, we're going to get a pretty good look at the Modesto Nuts next week."
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) March 2, 2017
As for today’s matchup, there’s plenty worth poking your nose in for.
Lineups
The top seven hitters in the order look just like a normal day in April might, albeit with Danny Valencia getting a crack at a right-handed pitcher. Hisashi Iwakuma will make his season debut as well, though he has essentially nothing to prove at this point. The Rangers lineup, likewise, looks normal through at least the top six, with powerful but plodding prospect Joey Gallo making an appearance as well. Tyler Wagner is 26 year-old righty with a fastball that sits at about 90 mph, but mixes in four pitches, and doesn’t strike many folks out. He was claimed off waivers from the Diamondbacks this offseason, and seems to be the Rangers’ equivalent of Cody Martin. Couch your assessment of this game as you will from that.
Details
Gametime: 12:05 PM PT
Radio: 710 AM
TV: No and it’s because you were bad
Stream: Nah.
First game against against a divisional opponent of the season. It’s starting to feel just a little more real.
Go M’s.