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Mariners Game Notes: Mark Trumbo Returns to M’s Lineup

By Brian Helberg

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The Seattle Mariners (29-36) will play host to the San Francisco Giants (35-31) in the first game of Seattle’s half of the home and home series on Wednesday night at Safeco Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. It will be a premier pitching matchup tonight in the Emerald City, as Felix Hernandez (9-3, 3.38 ERA) will get the ball for Seattle and Madison Bumgarner (7-3, 3.16 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Giants. Root Sports Northwest will carry the game live locally, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch on connected devices.

The Mariners return to Seattle after going 4-4 on their recent 8 game roadie. The M’s uninspiring road trip has hurt their standing in the American League West. Seattle remains in 4th place, but the division leading Houston Astros have expanded their lead to 8.5 games.

Mariners’ skipper Lloyd McClendon and Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy have released the following lineups for Wednesday’s game:

Mark Trumbo Returns to M’s Lineup

Mark Trumbo will be the designated hitter and will hit 5th on Wednesday night. Trumbo has been absent from Seattle’s starting 9 in each of the last 3 ballgames, as he was dealing with back spasms. The M’s acquired the 29-year-old on June 3rd, and he has been pitiful ever since his arrival. He is hitting .158 with 0 home runs and 1 RBI across his first 10 games in a Mariners’ uniform. Trumbo has struck out 13 times and has failed to work a walk in 38 plate appearances with the M’s. On the bright side, he is hitting .327 this season against southpaws like tonight’s starter, Madison Bumgarner.

James Paxton Not Expected Back Anytime Soon

Hisashi Iwakuma is all set to make a rehab start this Saturday for the Everett AquaSox, but James Paxton is trending in the opposite direction. Bob Dutton of The News Tribune tweeted this out on Wednesday afternoon:

It is discouraging to hear that Pax-Man is healing slower than expected, but the news is hardly surprising. Paxton has been slow to recover from every injury he has sustained as a big leaguer. His problematic finger is on his throwing hand, and the middle finger plays a key role in his spiked curveball. Hopefully the talented young lefty will make his return early next month, but I would not be surprised if he remains out until after the All Star break in mid-July.

Apr 17, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) stretches at the plate during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Pick to Click 

It may sound crazy, but I am going to go with Robinson Cano as my pick to click on Wednesday night in Seattle. Cano is having the worst season of his career in 2015, hitting .237 with just 2 home runs and 19 RBI’s. He has tallied just 2 hits in his last 12 at bats, and has not driven in a run since June 9th. Despite these nauseating stats, Robby did hit the ball hard a couple times in yesterday’s 6-2 loss. If the M’s are going to turn their season around, Cano is going to have get it going at the plate. I predict he will find his stroke tonight. Look for Robby to collect at least 2 hits, 1 RBI and nurse his first free pass in 3 games.

Final Score Prediction

It goes without saying that tonight’s game will be low scoring. King Felix and Bumgarner represent 2 of the top hurlers in baseball, and tonight’s pitching matchup will be must watch TV for baseball fans. Hernandez has allowed at least 7 earned runs in 2 of his last 3 outings, but I expect him to return to form tonight against the Giants. I predict the M’s will take a 2-1 lead in this 4-game series with a 4-2 win tonight at Safeco Field.

Next: Mariners Game Recap: M's Waste Chances in Loss

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