MLB
Mariners Arrive at Rogers Centre Tuesday
On Tuesday, the Mariners arrive at Rogers Centre for their annual series against the Blue Jays. Last season, the Jays swept the Mariners at home, and took 2 of 3 from the M’s at Safeco Field. This season, however, the Mariners are a different team. Last year the Mariners never made it above .500. This season, they are 19-14, with a full lineup of difficult outs and hard hitters. Full disclosure: I’m an M’s fan, and this is my favourite series of the season. No matter which team wins, I win.
Mariners to Watch
Mitch Haniger
The Mariners arrive at Rogers Centre once a season. When the Mariners were here last season, Mitch Haniger was on the DL. He had just come off when the Jays were in Seattle and was not quite up to his usual form. This season he is, so far, healthy and on fire. He hit 10 home runs in April, with 27 RBIs and a .309 batting average. Know who else had 10 home runs in April? Mike Trout and Didi Gregorious. In Mariners history, only 2 other players have hit 10 or more home runs in April. Their names are Ken Griffey Jr and Nelson Cruz, so that’s a pretty prestigious list. Last season, just before they both went on the DL, Felix Hernandez was asked how he would handle Haniger at the plate. Felix said he would walk him. Haniger is off to the same kind of start this year for the Mariners. Since the beginning of May, Haniger’s average has dropped to .296, which is still incredibly impressive for an everyday player a month into the season. Haniger was 1-3 with a walk in his last start.
Dee Gordon
The former 2B from Miami currently has the highest batting average on the team at .349. He is also a threat to steal when on base. His speed on the base paths make pitchers nervous and can throw off their timing. He is quickly picking up his new role in CF. After a few dropped balls that should’ve been routine early in the season, Gordon is settling in.
Edwin Díaz
Not to take anything away from Roberto Osuna because he’s obviously amazing, but Edwin Díaz is insanely good right now. After losing the closer job not once but twice last season, Díaz is back, stronger and better than ever. In March and April Díaz had 11 saves and 27 Ks. He also won reliever of the month for the AL in April. He is the only player in baseball history to have these kinds of numbers. If the Jays want a chance at beating the Mariners, they’re going to have to avoid facing Díaz. Díaz had his first blown save on May 1.
Kyle Seager
In a January article on MLB.com, Kyle Seager was named the MLB’s most consistent player. His .240 average doesn’t seem like anything to worry about, but his hitting isn’t the only thing the Blue Jays need to be concerned about. Seager’s glove at third base is at least as dangerous as a healthy Josh Donaldson. Last year, the Blue Jays had Seager’s number. Hopefully they can repeat that performance. In Sunday’s loss to the Angels, Seager went 2-4.
Pitching Matchups
When the Mariners arrive at Rogers Centre, the Blue Jays will face pitchers James Paxton, Wade LeBlanc and Mike Leake. Paxton had 16 Ks in the game the Mariners eventually lost on Díaz’s blown save. The Blue Jays will counter with Marcus Stroman, Jaime García and J.A. Happ.
Written by Susannah Schmidt
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