Mariners Game Preview #57: 5/28/24: Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners

After taking a 2-0 series lead, George Kirby takes over tonight for the Mariners against Justin Verlander and the Astros. The Rye, New York, product has struggled in recent starts, suffering two losses and allowing five runs in each of his last two starts against the Nationals and Orioles. The Astros don’t offer an easier challenge, but if the 26-year-old can make the necessary adjustments, there’s no reason he wouldn’t be able to handle an Astros lineup that has struggled a slow start this season.

Compositions

The Astros will essentially roll out the same lineup as last night, although Chas McCormick will get his first start in the series. McCormick struggled to start the season and lost playing time to rookie Joey Loperfido while José Abreu was on a Grapefruit League reset tour. Abreu is also on the bench tonight, much to the chagrin of the Mariners hitters, who fed balls to him early in every series.

The Mariners are making some slight adjustments for today’s game: Cal Raleigh takes the day off as Garver moves to catcher, and Ryan Bliss takes his place after totaling two walks in his first two starts in major league. Dylan Moore comes in second for the eighth time this season. It’s likely they don’t want to overexpose the rookie too early, but he did draw a crucial walk in a tough situation last night. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him featured more as his batting hopefully starts to pick up. Another notable rookie missing from the lineup is Jonatan Clase, who ran for Haniger in the 8th last night; I hope he too can soon start to see the field a little more.

Game information:

First pitch: 6:40 p.m. PT

TV: Root Sports with Dave Sims and Mike Blowers

Radio: 7:10 a.m. Seattle Sports with Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith

Programming note: Friday’s game against the Angels is an Apple TV exclusive game; Saturday’s game will be broadcast exclusively on FOX. So tonight and tomorrow will be your last moments to spend time with the ROOT group until Sunday.

This day in sailors’ history

2003 – Bret Boone reaches 200^th career home run against Brad Radke in the Mariners’ 10-6 win at Minnesota.

Pre-match chat poll