The Seattle Mariners are coming off yet another series win, their sixth in a row, but it was bittersweet.
On one hand, the Mariners scored 25 runs in three games against the Miami Marlins. But on the other hand, the bullpen continues to look sketchy, and the team lost Logan Gilbert for who knows how long. Logan Evans looked solid in his career debut on Sunday, but losing a horse like Gilbert is less than ideal.
Now, the Mariners will play three straight series against American League West rivals, with the first being a short, two-game set against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park.
This is a great week or so of baseball for Seattle to extend its one-game lead in the AL West. With the Angels at 12-15 and seemingly taken over the Athletics as the worst team in the division, it’s a great time to capitalize on a team that is on a 3-7 run and coming off a sweep by the Minnesota Twins, wherein the Angels scored just five runs.
Here’s a look at the pitching matchup and probable lineups for Tuesday’s game, with first pitch at T-Mobile Park set for 6:40 p.m. PT.
Starting for the Mariners: Bryce Miller, RHP (1-3, 4.21 ERA)
Bryce Miller is set to take the mound tonight against the Angels, looking to get back on track after some up and down performances. Earlier in the season, Miller faced challenges, including fatigue and soreness, which he acknowledged as factors affecting his performance.
In his last outing against the Boston Red Sox, Miller threw just 4.2 innings, surrendering four earned runs and four walks. He needed 100 pitches to get through the limited innings, something that has been a theme among Mariner pitchers.
Miller needs to go back to the Cincinnati Reds start, where he showcased resiliency and adaptability. Despite not having his best stuff early on, he adjusted his approach from previous starts and was able to get through five innings on just 78 pitches. He struck out eight, walking only two. This is the approach Miller needs to have tonight against a team that is bottom-10 in runs scored, with the fifth-worst wRC+ in the league.
Starting for the Angels: Jack Kochanowicz, RHP (1-3, 5.47 ERA)
The Angels are set to start second-year right-hander Jack Kochanowicz against the Mariners. Kochanowicz had a solid debut season last year, but has faced challenges in his sophomore season with a 5.47 ERA over five starts.
He has been hit hard, giving up 10.6 hits and 1.7 home runs per nine. Kochanowicz actually made his major league debut against the Mariners last year, surrendering five runs in three innings, struggling with pitch location and leaving sinkers elevated in the zone. The Mariners will hope it’s more of the same this go-around.
The Mariners, meanwhile, have been on an offensive surge, averaging 6.27 runs per game over their last 15 contests, with a league leading 150 wRC+ during that stretch. They’re showcasing that their newfound approach to offense might be working. Given Kochanowicz’s early struggles and the Mariners’ hot bats, Seattle has a strong opportunity to capitalize in tonight’s matchup.
Mariners Starting Lineup vs. Kochanowicz
- CF Julio Rodriguez (R)
- DH Jorge Polanco (S)
- C Cal Raleigh (S)
- LF Randy Arozarena (R)
- 1B Rowdy Tellez (L)
- SS J.P. Crawford (L)
- 3B Ben Williamson (R)
- RF Miles Mastrobuoni (L)
- 2B Leo Rivas (S)
Angels Starting Lineup vs. Miller
- SS Zach Neto (R)
- 1B Nolan Schanuel (L)
- RF Mike Trout (R)
- LF Taylor Ward (R)
- DH Jorge Soler (R)
- C Logan O’Hoppe (R)
- 3B Luis Rengifo (S)
- CF Jo Adell (R)
- 2B Kyren Paris (R)
How can I watch the Mariners today?
Regional Coverage
- Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska: The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Northwest
- Southern California, Las Vegas, and Hawaii: The game will be televised on FanDuel Sports Network West
Satellite Coverage
- Nationwide: Available via DirectTV.
Radio Broadcast
- Seattle Region: Tune in to Seattle Sports 710 AM or stream the audio live at seattlesports.com.
- Los Angeles Region: Tune in to KLAA 830, KWKW 1330
Streaming Options
- ROOT Sports Streaming App: Fans in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska can stream the game live through the ROOT Sports streaming service
- FuboTV: Subscribers in the aforementioned regions can also stream the game live via FuboTV, which carries ROOT Sports Northwest.
- MLB.TV: Out-of-market viewers can watch the game live with an MLB.TV (subscription required).
What’s at Stake?
This upcoming start for Miller carries added significance due to the recent loss of Gilbert, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow flexor strain. With Gilbert sidelined, the Mariners will look to Miller to step up and provide stability to the rotation.
His ability to adapt and deliver quality innings will be crucial as Seattle navigates this challenging period. Already having to replace George Kirby’s spot in the rotation has left the pitching depth relatively thin. A scorching offense will be relied upon heavily again and should continue against one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball
