Mariners seemingly lock down Utility spot while bullpen picture comes into focus

We have just a few days until the Mariners matriculate toward T-Mobile Park before next Thursday's opening-day matchup with the Boston Red Sox. Manager Scott Servais has already named the starter for that matchup, Luis Castillo, and has explained how the rest of the starting staff will slot behind the 31-year-old ace. On to the headlines! 

D-Mo locks down utility spot

The Mariners' front office, specifically General Manager Justin Hollander, has repeatedly emphasized the need for more contact on a roster that finished second in the American League in strikeouts this offseason. This shift challenged 31-year-old speedster Dylan Moore, who has had strikeout rates above 28% over the past three seasons. However, Moore's response to this challenge has been inspiring. He has taken the message to heart and made significant swing adjustments to reduce his swing-and-miss tendencies, showing his dedication to improving his game. 

Spring Training stats are what they are (.379/.410/1.031), but a healthy Dylan Moore serving as the 26th man on this roster is an excellent sign of his progression as a player and the team's overall depth. 

Two bullpen spots coming into focus

The bullpen race is heating up as the season approaches. Bullpen ace Matt Brash is on the mend, throwing off the mound at 70% effort. Former White Sox Gregory Santos will have an MRI next week to check the status of his inflamed lat. Both relievers will start the season on the injured list, effectively opening up two spots in the bullpen. This situation has created a competitive environment, with the front runners, Collin Snider and Cody Bolton, pushing each other to perform at their best. Both righty relievers have shown impressive form this spring despite the absence of Brash and Santos' stuff. 

Snider had one lousy outing that inflated his ERA, but he has flashed a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and a high-spin slider (2780 RPM). Tyson Miller is fighting for one of the spots. However, he'll probably start the season in Tacoma because he's not on the 40-man roster. 

Dual-threat prospect tagged for Pacific Coast League

Perennial 20-20 (20-70 in 2023) threat Jonatan Clase turned heads this spring with his defensive improvements and 70-grade speed. Servais mentioned Clase as the most improved prospect in camp and hinted that the 21-year-old would start the year in Tacoma with the Rainiers. 

Clase will be among the youngest players in the Pacific Coast League, but more excitingly, he'll team with Ryan Bliss and Samad Taylor to create a dynamic, top-of-the-line lineup. With three 60+ grade runners on the squad, the Rainiers could 'runaway' with the PCL title.