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Pour yourself an extra-big cup of coffee this morning, friends, because this is going to be a long one. The big brain geniuses at MLB have scheduled today not only to be the last game before the All-Star Break, but also the Futures Game, and also the first day of the Draft. Because why have one thing when you can have ALL THE THINGS? So, before we get into that sweet sweet linkage, here are some programming notes:
- The Futures Game will be on MLB Network starting at 12 PM Pacific. You can also stream the game on MLB dot com. The Mariners will be represented by twin teen titans Julio Rodríguez and Jarred Kelenic, and we’ll have a game thread up here for you to chat about the game. The game is only seven innings, so don’t be late!
- The Mariners game starts at 1:10 PM PT and we’ll have all our usual coverage of that, as well.
- Finally, because all that isn’t enough somehow, the first round of the MLB Draft (up through the first set of competitive balance picks) will air at 4 PM PT on MLB Network, or streamed on MLB dot com. The Mariners pick 12th, so probably closer to 4:30 or 4:45 once all the folderol is said and done with. We’ll have a piece out as quick as possible after Seattle picks introducing you to the newest Mariner, as well as a draft tracker (updating immediately for all picks, with links to their in-depth scouting reports once they’re complete) pinned to the top of the site. Check back for complete coverage of the draft tomorrow (starting at 10 AM PT on Monday) and Tuesday (9 AM PT).
Okay phew. And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got quite a bit to discuss links-wise, as well!
In Mariners news:
- Kyle Seager was a late scratch from yesterday’s game. He’s dealing with a bone bruise on his shin after fouling a pitch off; Servais calls it one of the worst he’s ever seen.
- Seager’s injury apparently set some dominos into motion: Donovan Walton was pulled early from the Rainiers game in Sugar Land, TX yesterday. Also pulled: catcher Cal Raleigh, who is reportedly being called up. Congratulations, Cal!
- If you don’t read the minor league farm system stuff much, here’s a little teaser for you: remember the name Luis Curvelo.
The next Mariners prospect name you should know is reliever Luis Curvelo. 20 years old and in Low-A currently (but likely to be promoted soon), he’s striking out almost 40% of batters he sees with good command of the zone and a dominating mound presence. pic.twitter.com/8PJtNDgXs3
— Lookout Landing (@LookoutLanding) July 10, 2021
Around the league:
- Terrible news out of Atlanta; superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. has a torn ACL and will undergo season-ending surgery. Acuña landed awkwardly trying to make a leaping grab on what would become a Jazz Chisholm inside-the-park homer. Manny Machado will take Acuña’s place on the All-Star roster.
- You know who else is an All-Star? Former Mariner Omar Narváez. You know who’s not an All-Star? A single dang Astro.
- In good news: Nelson Cruz is going to be a dad again! A tiny Boomstick, awww.
- Did you know Willie Ross, father of MLB pitchers Tyson and Joe, is a doctor? That turned out to be handy when Dr. Ross, who practices medicine in California, saved a woman choking on a hot dog at a Giants game he was attending to cheer for his son Joe, who plays for the Nationals. Also, learn the Heimlich, people! You don’t have to be a doctor to do it, although it does help.