Mariners Analysis: Who goes when the King comes back?

With the news this morning from the Mariners that Felix will have one more rehab start after Sunday’s game in Tacoma, the question must be asked “Who is the odd man out in the rotation?”

It is safe to say that James Paxton and Ariel Miranda are both safe and staying in the Mariners rotation which leaves us with three options, Christian Bergman, Yovani Gallardo and Sam Gaviglio. So, which pitcher is on the out when the King comes back?

With Felix pitching on Sunday at Tacoma, the Mariners have decided to keep him down in the minors for one more outing. With everything going well with Felix’s rehab, we are looking at a return date of either the 22^nd of June against the Tigers or a massive series opener against the first-place Astros on the Friday night at Safeco. With his much-awaited return imminent, let’s detail the candidates for a demotion.

Christian Bergman

Bergman has been solid since being called up on May 7^th. He has a record of 3-3 with an ERA of 4.03, while holding the opposition to a career low 1.34 WHIP.   Between Bergman and Gaviglio, they have solidified the rotation since the start of May. Bergman has options too, which means he could be demoted to Tacoma without too much consequence. Although Bergman has been average, he has pitched well enough to stay in the rotation until more troops come back from injuries.

Sam Gaviglio

Gaviglio has been amazing since coming up on May 10^th also. Since making his major-league debut, Gaviglio has done nothing but put up solid outings for the Mariners. In six games (5 starts), he has a 2.79 ERA with a 2-1 record and 1.21 WHIP. Again, Sam does have options and can be demoted to AAA without the risk of losing someone to waivers. In Sam’s five starts, the Mariners have gone 4-1 and he has been a big factor in these games. The only game which the Mariners have lost while Gaviglio started was against the Nationals.

Yovani Gallardo

Well, what can we say about Gallardo? While the previous two pitchers have options, if Gallardo gets demoted, he must be DFA’d. His stats are far and away the worst of the three as well. His 6.26 ERA and 2-6 record aren’t pretty to look at, at all. This year has been the worst of his career, though he is coming off a start where although he allowed five runs, he pitched 7 innings and kept the Mariners in the contest and allowed a comeback win.  Is this enough to keep him in the organization?

Final Thoughts

After considering the facts and figures of the three pitchers, I think it is Gallardo who is left out at this stage. With Felix back first and then Kuma and Smyly on the mend too, I think now is the time to let Gallardo go. Dipoto has shown in his short history, that if you aren’t helping the team, he has no issues with releasing players. My humble opinion would be to release Gallardo now for the return of the King, and when Kuma comes back, there is another decision to be made on the futures of Bergman and Gaviglio.

Next: The Mariners had a phenomenal week and I missed it

What do you think M’s fans? Who stays and who goes?

Peace out from Down Under and GO M’s!!