Mariners Lineup: ‘Kuma Returns to the Hill

The big story tonight is Hisashi Iwakuma’s return to the mound. Roenis Elias filled in admirably in his absence and helped keep the patchwork rotation together, especially in the beginning, but the M’s need ‘Kuma if they want to make a run this season.

Kuma really struggled toward the end of last season, and didn’t look good early in the year this year. Hence, the 6.61 ERA. He needs to get his offspeed over and locate his fastball down in the zone and on the corners, especially against a potent Tigers lineup.

For the M’s, they catch a break with Miguel Cabrera out of the lineup. He’ll be out for six weeks with a calf injury. They luck out getting Andrew Romine at first. While the Tigers are just 41-40, they boast a very productive 1-5 in the order.

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On the M’s side of things, it’s the return of Austin Jackson to the leadoff spot against a righty, as Logan Morrison moves back to the six spot.

Kyle Seager heads back to the No. 2 spot again today as he looks to get hot. Robinson Cano assumes No. 3 again.

James Jones was sent to AAA to make room for Kuma.

Also, earlier in the day, Felix Hernandez was named to the American League All-Star team, again. Congrats to the King!

Go M’s.

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• What if the Mariners traded FOR Tyler O’Neill this time?
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