The Seattle Mariners are sticking with their pitching “piggyback” strategy, despite it potentially being unpopular.
However, they are changing the order in which the pitchers appear.
Castillo to Start, Miller in Relief
Veteran right-hander Luis Castillo is slated to start against the A’s. Right-hander Bryce Miller is set to follow him out of the bullpen.
Previously, Miller started and pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit, walking one, and striking out seven. He threw 72 pitches. Jose A. Ferrer then closed out the sixth inning. Castillo then pitched 2 1/3 innings on 54 pitches, starting the seventh.
Castillo walked the first batter and hit the next to put the tying and go-ahead run on base. He recorded a strikeout but was then replaced by Andrés Muñoz, who allowed both inherited runners to score in what became a 2-1 loss.
Reasoning Behind the Change
Manager Dan Wilson explained the change in order. “The last time we went the other way, and this time we’re going to switch it around,” Wilson said. “I think that’s the best way to do it. It’s the most equitable way to do it and that’s how we’re going to go at this.”
Jerry Dipoto, president of baseball operations, had previously suggested the possibility of switching the order.
Pitch Count Goals
Ideally, the Mariners would like to see both pitchers throw roughly 70 pitches, if possible.
Wilson said Castillo’s previous outing, where he threw less than 60 pitches, was a “nonissue.”
Crawford’s Position Change
J.P. Crawford participated in the Mariners’ pregame ground-ball routine at shortstop before shifting to third base. He practiced throws to second for double plays and then across the diamond to first base. He didn’t skip a ball on any of them.
Crawford had said he would move to third base to allow rookie Colt Emerson to play shortstop. However, Crawford has continued to start at shortstop while Emerson has played third.
Emerson started at shortstop in the final two games of the previous homestand as Crawford dealt with a sore triceps after being hit there with multiple pitches.
Wilson said, “I think right now that the key for J.P. is to get himself healthy and the strength back, and where he needs to in terms of his arm, and get that feeling better. We can begin to assess how we want to break it down and how we want to progress in that order.”
Crawford anticipated starting at third base when the series in Kansas City began.