Every starter will be on a shorter leash
As I just mentioned, Jerry Dipoto said recently in a Q&A session with the media and fans that of the group of top prospects that the Mariners have, Logan Gilbert is the most MLB-ready. Yes, that means Jerry believes he is more MLB-ready than Jarred Kelenic. Because of this Logan Gilbert is a lock to be up in the Majors this season.
If there is an injury early on in the season and someone has to miss a start or two, one of the odd men out from the group of Dunn, Margevicius, and Newsome will be called up. But as we get deeper into the season if there are injuries Gilbert will be called up.
If there are no injuries and it is clear that Gilbert needs to be in the MLB rotation, that will mean that every single pitcher will be on a short leash with the exception of Gonzales. If Sheffield, Kikuchi, Flexen, and yes even Paxton have some poor performances then they could be taken out of the rotation in favor of Gilbert or the two pitchers who won’t start the year in the rotation from the aforementioned group of Dunn, Margevicius, and Newsome.