Mariners Game Preview: Walker Faces the Indians

Mar 14, 2016; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (44) throws the ball in the first inning during a spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (44) throws the ball in the first inning during a spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Mariners extended their Catus League winning streak to five games yesterday against the Kansas City Royals (13-18). Today the Seattle Mariners (15-12-2) face a split-squad from the Cleveland Indians (13-12-3). Two right-hand pitchers will make starts for today’s game. Taijuan Walker (1-2 ERA 6.88 ERA) will take the ball for the Mariners. Cleveland will send out Josh Tomlin (0-0 7.15 ERA) to face Walker. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM.

In Walker’s last start against the Colorado Rockies he pitched 3 2/3 innings, giving up 9 hits and 6 runs (all earned). He earned the win that day thanks to a large offensive output from the Mariners. It’s been an up and down Spring for Walker this year. His best start was on March 19th against the World Series Champion Kansas City Royals. In that outing he was in command, only allowing one earned run (a home run to Jorge Bonifacio in the third inning), while striking out four in five innings. While his overall Spring Training numbers are not anything special, it shouldn’t be worrisome for Mariners fans.

Josh Tomlin will be making his fourth start in six appearances this spring. He has yet to post a win or loss in any of his appearances. The strength in starting pitching for Cleveland is already well set in positions 1-4 (Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar and Trevor Bauer). Tomlin is competing for the 5th spot in the Indians rotation with fellow righty, Cody Anderson. It appears that Tomlin is favored for the spot, and this start against the Mariners today might be a deciding factor for Indians skipper Terry Francona.

Here is the Mariners lineup for today’s game:

Today’s game in Peoria will available through MLB.tv. Subscribers can watch on connected devices. Fans in the Pacific Northwest can listen to the game radio broadcast on 710 ESPN.

Next: Mariners Win Streak Reaches 5 as They Beat the Royals

Make sure to follow SoDo Mojo on twitter for live updates throughout the game, and check back after the final out has been recorded for a full recap. Go Mariners!

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