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Mariners Game Notes: Start Time, Lineups, and More

By Brian Helberg

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The Seattle Mariners (17-20) kick off their 9-game road trip in Baltimore on Tuesday night against the Orioles (16-19) in the opener of a 3-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PT from Camden Yards. Taijuan Walker (1-4, 7.22 ERA) will get the ball for the Mariners tonight. Veteran righty, Miguel Gonzalez (4-2, 2.93 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Orioles. Root Sports Northwest will carry the game locally, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch on connected devices.

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With the win on Sunday afternoon against the Red Sox, the M’s were able to keep pace in the American League West. Seattle currently sits in 3rd place in AL West, 7 games back of the division leading Houston Astros.

Mariners’ Skipper Lloyd McClendon and Orioles boss Buck Showalter have released the following lineups for Tuesday’s opener:

Chris Taylor Starts at SS

Despite the fact that Brad Miller was named AL Player of the Week American League Player of the Week on Monday, Chris Taylor remains the club’s starting shortstop. Miller is still in the starting lineup, but he is once again being used as the designated hitter. Miller is one of the best hitting shortstops in baseball, and his defense has actually been better than Taylor in 2015. Taylor is hitting just .129 in 2015, and McClendon’s commitment to the light-hitting middle infielder is startling. I understand the issues with Miller defensively, but with the M’s struggling to score runs, they would be insane to ignore his upside at the plate. I like Taylor, but he plays like a high end utility infielder.

Welcome to Seattle Welington Castillo?

The M’s pulled the trigger on a trade this morning. Seattle sent Yoervis Medina to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for backup catcher Welington Castillo. We delved deeper into the trade earlier in the day. I am not a big fan of the move, as I do not view Castillo as a significant upgrade to current backup Jesus Sucre. Also, Yoervis Medina is far too steep a price to pay for a backup catcher. However, I do not think Castillo is a bad player, and I hope his tenure in Seattle is a successful one.

May 14, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder

Nelson Cruz

(23) singles against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Pick to Click

The Mariners offense has not been overly impressive over the last 5 games, as they have failed to eclipse 5 runs scored since last Tuesday when they plated 11 runs against San Diego. However, this East Coast swing could be just what the doctor ordered to spark the M’s. Camden Yards, the Rogers Centre and Tropicana Field are all considered hitter parks, and hopefully Seattle can take advantage of that. I have a feeling Nelson Cruz will light it up this week in Baltimore against his former club. Cruz has posted triple crown caliber numbers in 2015, and I think he will come through with multiple home runs in tonight’s game.

Final Score Prediction

The Baltimore Orioles had their way with the M’s in 2014, winning 5 of the 7 games played, but Baltimore has struggled out of the gate this season. Seattle is getting quality starting pitching during the past 2 weeks, and hopefully Taijuan Walker can continue that trend tonight. The Mariners are beginning to play the way we all hoped they would, and this road trip could be a great opportunity to gain some ground on the Astros and Angels. I predict the M’s will start the roadie on a high note, winning 6-4 on Tuesday night at Camden Yards.

Check back after the game for a full recap of the Mariners victory over the O’s. (Fingers crossed!)

Next: Mariners News: M’s Acquire C Wellington Castillo From Chicago Cubs

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