Robbie Ray (Pending Physical) is a Seattle Mariner

Joe Swenson   |  

Dec 3, 2021

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What Are the Other Options

If Jerry Dipoto doesn’t sign a Free Agent or make a trade, then one of these three pitchers is likely to be in that 5^th spot. Matt Brash (Mariners #10 Prospect), the 4^th round pick of the 2019 draft by the Padres, finished his 2021 season on the Mariners’ active roster. He finished with 142 strikeouts in 97 innings and a 2.31 ERA. He never appeared in a game for Seattle, but instead pitched 10 games at AA Arkansas, where he was absolutely lights out.

While Kirby and Williamson could make the opening day roster, if the Mariners are going to grab someone from the minor leagues to start, it could be a non-top 30 prospect like Darren McCaughan.  The 25-year-old right-hander pitched okay at AAA Tacoma en route to a 5-4 record in 20 starts and a 4.53 ERA.

There is also Justin Dunn and Justus Sheffield. Both were in the starting rotation last year. Sheffield eventually was moved out of the rotation and at this point, it’s unclear where he’ll be pitching for the Seattle Mariners. Dunn on the other hand showed some real consistency prior to getting injured. It’s possible he could be fighting for the final rotation spot again this year, just like last year. Maybe these two guys pitch on the same day, with Sheffield being the opener for Dunn. Regardless, there are some in-house options for the Seattle Mariners in 2021.

Next: Page 5 – Fall Back Plan

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