M’s Head to Arlington With Walker on the Hill

After taking it on the chin in Boston and just winning one of three games, the Seattle Mariners head to Arlington to take on the red-hot Texas Rangers. Another Mariners season win would help make a dent in both the AL West and the AL Wild Card race.

The M’s send Taijuan Walker to the hill tonight. For the rest of the lineup, look below and then read my thoughts.

My Thoughts:

1. Walker has been up and down this season, like the rest of the Mariners. He has the ability to be great, but also has the ability to turn in a clunker. With the M’s bullpen worn out this weekend in Boston, the M’s need 7+ innings from Walker. Fernando Rodney threw 1.2 innings yesterday, and Carson Smith threw two. I can’t even imagine who will close the game tonight. Perhaps Tom Wilhelmsen is available. Danny Farquhar got the save yesterday and could probably be called on again tonight.

2. Logan Morrison is starting at first base. This in and of itself is not irregular. What’s irregular is that Morrison is playing against a lefty over Jesus Montero. I wonder if something is up with Montero physically, or if it’s a day off because he’s struggling.

3. Ketel Marte is hitting leadoff. I like his plate discipline and I hope he can be a tablesetter for the M’s for years to come.

4. Franklin Gutierrez hit two home runs last night. Guti is awesome.

Go M’s!

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