Spring Training Shifts Gears for the Seattle Mariners: Veterans Return, Prospects Shine, and Injuries Loom
The Seattle Mariners are back in action after their first of two off days this spring training, gearing up for an exciting matchup against the 2026 Angels at Peoria Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. But here's where it gets intriguing: could we see some of the Mariners' top pitching prospects make their debut as early as 2026? General Manager Jerry Dipoto hasn’t ruled it out, leaving fans buzzing with anticipation. And this is the part most people miss: with the World Baseball Classic participants now departed, the spotlight shifts to younger players vying for attention, while veterans continue their steady preseason buildup.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson acknowledges the delicate balance: “It’s about finding that sweet spot between pushing too hard and not doing enough. We’re mapping it out carefully to ensure everyone’s ready for the season.” This smaller camp roster means more opportunities for up-and-coming talent to shine, but it also raises questions about depth and readiness. What do you think—is this the right approach, or could it backfire?
Tuesday’s lineup features two highly anticipated returns. J.P. Crawford, sidelined with a shoulder issue, is back as the designated hitter, though he’ll be limited to hitting for the rest of the week. Meanwhile, Mitch Garver makes his spring debut after re-signing with the Mariners on a minor league deal. But here’s where it gets controversial: with Crawford’s injury and Garver’s late start, is the Mariners’ lineup as solid as it needs to be heading into the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Lineup:
Brendan Donovan (3B), Rob Refsnyder (RF), Luke Raley (LF), Mitch Garver (C), J.P. Crawford (DH), Patrick Wisdom (1B), Ryan Bliss (2B), Colt Emerson (SS), Rhylan Thomas (CF). Starting pitcher Bryan Woo will take the mound, with Michael Morales, Michael Rucker, Cole Wilcox, Casey Legumina, Domingo Gonzalez, and Robinson Ortiz also scheduled to pitch.
First pitch is set for 12:10 p.m. Seattle time, with live radio coverage starting at noon on the Seattle Sports app. Speaking of pitchers, Bryce Miller will test his left oblique soreness with a light catch on Tuesday, following his setback last Thursday. Will this injury linger, or is it just a minor hiccup? Only time will tell.
On a brighter note, Cole Young finally broke through with his first hit of the spring—a monstrous 442-foot home run off a hanging slider. And this is the part most people miss: while his early 0-for-8 start raised eyebrows, Wilson remains confident. “He’s got a great swing and undeniable power. It’s all about finding consistent contact and timing, which I think he’s starting to nail down.”
Behind the scenes, the Mariners aren’t just missing players to the World Baseball Classic—they’ve also loaned out key coaching staff. Edgar Martinez and Bobby Magallanes are coaching for Puerto Rico and Mexico, respectively, while bullpen catcher Fleming Baez is with the Dominican Republic. Back in Peoria, hitting coach Kevin Seitzer is holding down the fort with help from the Triple-A staff. But here’s a thought-provoking question: does this coaching shuffle impact the Mariners’ preseason preparation, or is it a non-issue?
Lastly, George Kirby threw a simulated game on Monday to stay on track, while Luis Castillo worked on his bullpen session. With so many moving parts, this spring training feels like a puzzle coming together—but will all the pieces fit perfectly? Share your predictions below!
More from Mariners Spring Training:
- Three unexpected early standouts from camp.
- Cal Raleigh in Team USA gear for the World Baseball Classic.
- Brendan Donovan’s ‘tremendous’ impact in the clubhouse.
- Wyman and Bob discuss the Mariners’ bounce-back candidate.
- Logan Gilbert’s pitch development and Ryan Sloan’s strong debut.
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