Mariners Game Preview: M’s Play Host to the Diamondbacks in Peoria

Pax-Man will get the ball for Seattle on Monday against the D-backs.

The Seattle Mariners (3-2) are back home in Peoria on Monday playing host to the Arizona Diamondbacks (3-2). First pitch is scheduled for 12:10 pm PT from the Peoria Sports Complex. James Paxton (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his second start of the spring for Seattle, and Rubby De La Rosa (0-0, 9.00 ERA) will get the ball for the D-Backs.

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Pax-Man was brilliant in his spring debut last week, hurling a pair of scoreless innings against the San Diego Padres. He will hope his success against the National League West continues this afternoon. The 27-year-old southpaw is in a heated battle with Nate Karns for the final spot in the M’s starting rotation. Both pitchers fared well in their first outings of the spring, and the race is too close to call right now. The Ladner, BC product’s injury history is well documented, and staying healthy in 2016 should be Paxton’s top priority.

Rubby De La Rosa was once considered a can’t miss prospect, but now the only he can’t miss is opponents bats. The 27-year-old right-hander allowed 2 runs on 3 hits across 2 innings of work in his Cactus League debut last week. De La Rosa’s 14-9 record in 2015 is rather misleading, as his 4.67 ERA and 1.357 WHIP both left something to be desired. Hopefully the Mariners will be able to hang a crooked number on De La Rosa today.

Mariners skipper Scott Servais and D-Backs manager Chip Hale have released the following lineups for this afternoon’s contest:

Stefen Romero will make his first start since taking a line drive off his knee cap on Friday. The Oregon State alum is red hot right now, as he is hitting .600 with 1 home run and 2 RBI through 3 games. Romero will play right field today for Seattle, but he is also in the discussion to platoon with Adam Lind at first base in 2016.

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Robinson Cano will hit third and play second base for the Mariners on Monday afternoon. The perennial All-Star clubbed his first homer of the spring on Saturday, and he will hope to barrel up on another ball today. Cano battled through a number of ailments in 2015, but he appears to be full healthy in Arizona.

Unfortunately, today’s game will not be televised. However, fans in the Pacific Northwest can set their radio dials to 710 ESPN and listen to Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith.

Next: Mariners Roundtable: Grading the M's

Make sure you follow SoDo Mojo on twitter for live updates of Monday’s game, and check back after the final out is recorded for a full recap. Go Mariners!