The Seattle Mariners are modifying their pitching strategy, despite potential unpopularity with fans and players.
The Mariners will now have veteran right-hander Luis Castillo start against the A’s. Right-hander Bryce Miller is slated to come out of the bullpen as the subsequent pitcher.
Castillo and Miller Switch Roles
Previously, Miller started and pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit, walking one batter, and striking out seven. He threw 72 pitches. After Jose A. Ferrer finished the sixth inning, Castillo pitched 2 1/3 innings on 54 pitches, starting the seventh. Castillo walked the first batter and hit the next to begin the ninth inning with the team leading 1-0. He recorded a strikeout before being replaced by Andrés Muñoz, who allowed both inherited runners to score in a 2-1 loss.
Manager Dan Wilson explained the rationale behind switching the order of appearance. Wilson said that switching the order was the most equitable way to approach it.
Jerry Dipoto, president of baseball operations, had previously suggested the possibility of changing the order during the first piggyback game.
Pitch Count Considerations
When asked if Castillo’s previous outing, where he threw less than 60 pitches, would affect how the Mariners handled his start, Wilson responded that it was a nonissue.
Ideally, the Mariners want to see both pitchers throw around 70 pitches, if possible.
Crawford’s Position Change
J.P. Crawford participated in the Mariners’ pregame ground-ball routine at shortstop before moving to third base, where he took several ground balls. He practiced throws to second base for double plays and followed that up with ground balls, throwing across the diamond to first base. He didn’t skip a ball on any of them.
Crawford had informed the Mariners 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 in his throwing arm after being hit there with multiple pitches.
Crawford’s Health is Key to Position Change
When asked about a timetable for the switch, Wilson stated that the key for J.P. is to regain his health and strength and improve the feeling in his arm. Wilson said that once Crawford is healthy, they can assess how to proceed with the position change.
Crawford had anticipated starting at third base when the series in Kansas City began.