7-24-18: Open Game Thread

Everyone get ready for another exciting edition of the Maple Grove!

* gets handed a note *

[muttering] “Oh, what’s this now?”

* puts finger to earpiece *

[leans away from microphone] “He, he’s not pitching? Well that’s a shame.”

* turns back to camera trying my best to look chipper *

Well folks, I regret to inform you that James Paxton will not be pitching tonight for your Seattle Mariners. Apparently he didn’t feel great after throwing on Sunday, per Jen Mueller. Nevertheless, the show must go on. Every great performer has an understudy, and Paxton is no different. Taking the stage in his spot, the wonderful...

* takes shot of tequila *

The talented!

* takes another one in case the first one didn’t work *

Roenis Elías!

In all seriousness, this is probably nothing to worry about. Rushing the Big Maple back for an interleague start – or any start for that matter – is unwise. If all goes to plan, Paxton’s next start would come against either the Angels or Astros, which feels a little more important. Also, sliding Elías in for Paxton isn’t the worst plan in the world, as the Giants have a 70 wRC+ in their last 318 plate appearances against lefties, spanning back over the last 30 days (shouts to Ben Thoen for that stat).

Listen, I know many of you were craving a Paxton start after yesterday’s off-day. Maybe, like me, you overspent for bleacher seats thinking you’d get to see one of the AL’s best pitchers face Buster Posey, Andrew McCutchen, Brandon Crawford, and the rest of the Giants’ oldie-but-goodies. The lesson, as is common in baseball, is to be patient. Paxton will be back shortly, and, if I may offer this subtle reminder, the Mariners are 20 GAMES OVER .500!

Pitcher injuries are always scary, especially for one with Paxton’s track record and importance. I’m sure the news turned a lot of us into Walter Sobchak, but try your best to remain calm. Tonight we’ll get to see Roenis face a bunch of dudes who have never seen him before, and if all goes well, give Seattle brief bragging rights in the insufferable Seattle vs. San Francisco tech wars. If not, we have the spot starter excuse conveniently built in.

Lineups

First Pitch: 7:10 p.m. PT

TV: ROOT Sports NW, mlb.TV for out-of-market viewers

Radio: 710 ESPN, MLB At-Bat app