Mariners Minor League Report

Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Tyler Marlette (77) scores the game-winning run in the tenth inning against the San Diego Padres during a spring training baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Bakersfield Blaze – A+

Tyler Marlette – C

Tyler Marlette has more upside than any catcher in the Mariners’ organization that is not named Mike Zunino. Marlette has been carrying the Blaze offensively this season, while also looking much improved behind the plate. The 22-year-old is hitting .167 with 2 home runs and 5 RBI’s since April 23. Obviously, these are not great numbers, but he has worked 5 walks in his last 42 at bats. He has always been thought of as an offensive backstop, but he has thrown out a career high 43% of potential base stealers in 2015. Marlette is far from hot right now, but I still envision him ending the season in Jackson.

Edwin Diaz – RHP

Edwin Diaz is considered to be one of the top prospects in the Mariners’ system, and he is proving why so far this season. The 21-year-old has been destroying the California League, going 1-0 with a 0.52 ERA over his last 17.1 innings pitched. The young right-handed has struck out 16 and walked 4 since April 23. Diaz has electric stuff, and he has held the opposition to a .153 batting average over his last 3 outings. At 6’3/165, Diaz could stand to put on a bit of weight, but his body should fill out as he matures. Diaz seems to be miles above the competition in high A, and I expect him to earn a promotion in the very near future to Jackson.

Ryan Yarbrough – LHP

The Mariners do not have many top tier pitching prospects near the Majors, but they have a pair of studs in Edwin Diaz and Ryan Yarbrough pitching for Bakersfield. The 23-year-old southpaw has gone 1-1 with a 4.60 ERA across his last 15.2 innings pitched. His ERA is deceiving because he surrendered 7 of the 8 earned runs he allowed since April 23 in 1 start. He has pitched at least 6 innings and allowed 1 run or less in 2 of his last 3 outings. The Old Dominion alum has struck out 13 and walked 2 since April 23. Yarbrough appears to be on the fast track to Jackson, and he could even finish the season in Tacoma.

Trey Cochran-Gill – RHP

Trey Cochran-Gill has been nearly perfect this season for the Blaze. Cochran-Gill is one of the top young relievers in the M’s system. He has gone 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA and 1 save since April 23. He has struck out 6 and walked 1 during his last 9.1 innings pitched. Opponents have hit .188 off Cochran-Gill over his last 5 appearances. The Auburn alum is another hurler who is ready to take on the Southern League with the Generals. Cochran-Gill is advanced for his age, and I would not be surprised to see the 22-year-old in Seattle next season.

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