Mariners Game #1 Preview: Athletics at Seattle
Welcome back, baseball
The 2025 season opens as the 2024 season closed, with the née-Oakland Athletics visiting Seattle. The Mariners had a quiet off-season, making moderate new additions, the main one of which isn’t in the lineup tonight (Donovan Solano). The A’s spent some of their mandated revenue-sharing cash, acquiring former Yankees ace Luis Severino, who will get the start tonight. They also have promoted a couple of their top prospects, two of whom will be in the lineup tonight.
Lineups:
We already knew how the pitching staff would align after Logan Gilbert was named Opening Day starter; here’s how the team lines up behind Walter.
Ryan Bliss gets his first Opening Day start after making the 26-man roster, and Polanco gets the start over Solano at third. Rowdy Tellez, who also impressed during camp and earned a roster spot, makes his Mariners debut at first base, with Raley serving as the DH over Garver.
“We’re just going to see how it goes,” said Dan Wilson pregame, when asked about how the team will balance their slate of infielders. “We talked about that a lot in spring training, having some interchangeable parts, some versatility on the infield, and we’ll continue to keep that a priority as we go through [the season].” The DH role is also one that will be flexible, according to Wilson, to get more players more at-bats.
“That’s what makes our lineup so deep and so flexible, so versatile, we have great options everywhere we go, and that’s on us to put the right guys in at the right time and put them in positions to succeed.”
And here’s how the Oakland-less Athletics will start their 2025 campaign:
Jacob Wilson, who I predict is going to be a real pain in our collective butts this season, makes his first Opening Day roster, batting ninth and playing shortstop. Fellow prospect Max Muncy (nonotthatone) also earned a spot on the Opening Day roster, as the A’s will also start him at second. Bliss vs. Muncy: who has the better game?
News:
Cal Raleigh is in the lineup tonight because no way is he missing Opening Day, but he’s still recovering from a bout of food poisoning.
Game information:
Game time: 7:10 PT
TV: ROOT Sports NW, with Aaron Goldsmith and Ryan Rowland-Smith
Tonight’s game is also the free game on MLB TV, if you’re out of area.
If you’re not out of area, you can also stream the ROOT broadcast with their new direct-to-consumer app. More details here.
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.
Tune in pregame for a special ceremony honoring Cal Raleigh, Gold and Platinum Glove Winner, and Dylan Moore, Gold Glove winner. Also, if you’re at the ballpark, don’t forget to get your magnetic schedule.
Captain’s Report:
Dan Wilson on Cal Raleigh after Raleigh signed an extension with the club:
“Typical Cal. He’s obviously excited for this opportunity and wants to play in Seattle for a long period of time, but his focus changes quickly to, let’s get it done. And I know that’s what he’s thinking right now and that’s where his mind is at. It’s time to go play.”
Today in Mariners history:
Nothing. Today is the first time the Mariners have ever played a regular-season game on March 27. So whatever happens tonight, it’ll be history-making one way or another.