Shortstop Leo Rivas makes his major league debut for the Mariners

Leo Rivas makes his major league debut for the Mariners today. As manager Scott Servais gives Dylan Moore and other starters a day off.

Arizona Diamondbacks v Seattle Mariners
Arizona Diamondbacks v Seattle Mariners / Steph Chambers/GettyImages

Scott Servais said in his pre-game presser today that he is giving Dylan Moore, Cal Raleigh, and Mitch Haniger a day off. This means other players who normally do not get a chance to start will have their opportunity on Sunday. Among them is Leo Rivas, who will be making his major league debut. Rivas is going to be the 999th Mariner to appear in a game for the club. He is getting his opportunity to play for the Mariners, with Dylan Moore having the day off.

This opportunity is a long time coming for Rivas, as he started playing professional baseball at the age of 17. He has played nine years of minor league baseball in the Angels, Reds, and Mariners farm systems. In 2024, with the Tacoma Rainiers, Rivas is slashing .308/.422/.462, with 2 HR, 11 RBI, and 5 SB in 18 games. Rivas is known for his speed, having stolen 50 bases in AA Arkansas back in 2023, for the Travelers.

Leo Rivas makes his major league debut today

With J.P. Crawford out with an injury, Leo Rivas and Dylan Moore are filling in as his replacements. Though, unfortunately, Crawford is injured, Rivas has an opportunity to show what he can do for the major league club. Rivas is also a switch hitter, so on days such as today when the Mariners are facing a right-hander in Brandon Pfaadt, with a nasty slider, Rivas can hit left-handed. This gives the Mariners a nice platoon option between him and Dylan Moore with Crawford out.

Rivas is not the only player earning his opportunity to play today. Outfielder Jonatan Clase is making his ninth start of the season. Clase already has nabbed his first big league steal, perhaps Rivas can do the same today if he reaches base. Having both of these guys in the lineup today is nice to see and hopefully, they can help the Mariners to a win on Sunday.

With Rivas making his first major league start, he will be playing under the bright lights for the first time. Having him in the lineup will be interesting to see how he handles shortstop at the big league level. Rivas is known well for his glove, which is why the Mariners made the decision to promote him. Hopefully, Leo Rivas will make the most of this opportunity and have a good game. Making the most of his first chance to play for the Seattle Mariners.