The Mariners will try to wipe the slate clean today behind Emerson Hancock. He could use a great outing as much as the Mariners could use one from him. Since his first start in May, Hancock has looked less like a breakout star and more like a somewhat improved version of his old self. Over that time, his K%-BB% is down to just 12%, and he’s outrunning his peripherals on the back of a .200 BABIP. That’s all fine, and even that version of Hancock has more of a career in front of him than the guy who finished last season. But one hopes he can adjust back now that the league has clearly adjusted to him.
The Nats will counter with PJ Poulin, who will work as an opener in front of Miles Mikolas.
With Randy Arozarena still down with the hamstring issue and Julio Rodríguez getting a DH day, we’ll see an outfield of Luke Raley, Víctor Robles, and Dominic Canzone. It’s giving 2024. I wouldn’t read too much into Raley, Canzone, and Miles Mastrobouni getting starts against a lefty since Mikolas is expected to get the bulk today for Washington. Honestly, I’m surprised more teams aren’t trying a lefty opener against the Mariners.
Pretty standard lineup for the Nats except that Curtis Mead has the day off, and James Wood gets DH duty. On the seventh day, they rested.
First pitch: We got ourselves brunch baseball, baby. 10:35 PDT first pitch.
TV: Mariners TV
Radio: Old reliable
