The Seattle Mariners are coming off a successful 2022 season in which they won 90 games, making the playoffs for the first time since 2001. Although they fell in the ALDS 3-0 to the eventual World Series champions Houston Astros, there is much optimism heading into the 2023 season.
Eugenio Suarez led the Mariners in home runs last season with 31 and in RBI with 87. Julio Rodriguez led the team in hitting with a .287 batting average and in on-base percentage at .345. Suarez, Rodriguez, Ty France, and Cal Raleigh all hit at least 20 home runs. On the mound, Logan Gilbert led the team in wins (13) with an ERA (3.20), while Robbie Ray finished fourth in the American League in strikeouts with 212.
With spring training underway, there is just a little over a month before opening day. The Mariners host the Cleveland Guardians in a four-game series to open the season beginning on March 30th at 7:10 PM. It should be an exciting opening series against the Guardian, who also won 90 games in 2022.
Seattle comes into the season with projected staters as follows:
Cal Raleigh behind the plate with Ty France at first base, Kolten Wong at second base, J.P. Crawford at shortshop, and Eugenio Suarez at third. In the outfield from left to right are A.J. Pollock, Julio Rodriguez, and Jarred Kelenic. Teoscar Hernandez will serve as the designated hitter.
The Starting rotation is set up with Luis Castillo as the ace, followed by Robbie Ray, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Marco Gonzales. The bullpen is set with Paul Sewald, who had 20 saves last season, returning as the closer.
Following the series with the Guardians, the Mariners will host the Los Angeles Angels April 3-5 before heading on their first road trip of the season.