8/16/19: Open Game Thread

Six of the next nine games the Mariners play are against the Blue Jays. Wild! Though Toronto’s record is just one game better than Seattle’s, their lineup is teeming with early-20s second-generation MLBers, all of whom have been hitting well. Oh, and Justin Smoak.

I absolutely refuse to believe that Jacob Waguespack is a real person, but sure enough, whoever - or whatever - he is is on the hill for the Blue Jays today. Waguespack has scuffled a bit in his first taste of big league action, posting a 4.89 FIP over 39.2 innings, but has five pitches in his arsenal and mixes them well, with his fastball and cutter seeing the most use.

For the second straight day, Matt Wisler will open before giving way to Wade LeBlanc. Wisler has posted a FIP of under 2 and hasn’t walked a hitter since coming over from San Diego in early July, and has been far and away the most reliable option Seattle has thrust into the opener role. After going just one frame yesterday, he could be stretched for two today depending on how he handles the potent 1-2-3 of Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, and Vladito.

Game Time: 4:07 PDT

TV: ROOTNW, MLB.tv

Radio: 710 ESPN, MLB At Bat