Mariners Game Preview #57: 5/28/24: Houston Astros at Seattle Mariners

After jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the series, George Kirby takes the bump again tonight for the Mariners against Justin Verlander and the Astros. The Rye, New York product has struggled in recent starts, taking two losses and giving up five runs in each of his past two starts to the Nationals and Orioles. The Astros don’t offer an easier challenge, but if the 26-year-old can make the necessary adjustments, there's no reason he shouldn’t be able to handle an Astros lineup that has been off to a slow start this season.

Lineups

The Astros will roll out basically the same lineup as last night, although with Chas McCormick getting his first start of the series. McCormick has scuffled to start the season and lost playing time to rookie Joey Loperfido while José Abreu was on his reset tour in the Grapefruit League. Abreu is also on the bench tonight, much to the chagrin of the Mariners hitters, who have been scorching balls past him at first all series.

The Mariners are making some slight adjustments for today's game: Cal Raleigh gets the day off as Garver moves to catcher, and Ryan Bliss takes a seat after tallying two walks in his first two major league starts. Dylan Moore steps in at second for the eighth time so far this season. It’s likely they don’t want to overexpose the rookie too early, but he did draw a crucial walk in a tough situation last night. I would not be shocked to see him featured more as his bat hopefully starts to pick up. Another notable rookie absent from the lineup is Jonatan Clase, who pinch ran for Haniger in the 8th last night; hopefully he too can start to see the field a little more soon.

Game information:

First Pitch: 6:40 PT

TV: Root Sports with Dave Sims and Mike Blowers

Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports with Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith

Programming note: Friday’s game against the Angels is an Apple TV exclusive game; Saturday’s game will be broadcast exclusively on FOX. So tonight and tomorrow are your last times to hang out with the ROOT crew until Sunday.

This Day in Mariners History

2003 - Bret Boone hits his 200^th career home run off of Brad Radke in Mariners 10-6 win at Minnesota.

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