Seattle Mariners 2020 Review/2021 Preview – Starting Pitching
Justin Dunn, Seattle Mariners.
Youth is Served
Highly touted Justus Sheffield got off to a rough start this year. He was beaten up in his first two starts, giving up eight earned runs in 7.2 innings. His third start was the turning point. On August 9, Sheffield shut out Colorado through six innings, giving up four hits with no walks and seven strikeouts.
From that game on, the 24-year-old rookie took off. In September, Sheffield won all four of his starts. The rookie didn’t allow more than two earned runs in any of those games and posted as 2.16 ERA. He could be a number two or three starting going forward.
Justin Dunn came to Seattle from the New York Mets with top prospect Jarred Kelenic for Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano around the same time they acquired Sheffield. In his rookie season, Dunn showed some signs as to why the Mariners wanted him in the trade. He finished the year 4–1 with a 4.34 ERA.
Dunn’s biggest issue is his control. He walked 31 batters over 10 starts. Also, over his 45 innings, Dunn gave up ten home runs. On the positive side, the 10 dingers were part of only 31 hits allowed. On the other, he gave up eight of ten when he was either even or ahead of the count. If he can get a better command of his pitches, cuts down on walks as well as the home runs next season, he could be impressive. Right now, Dunn slots in as a number five starter.
A Late Start(er)
This year, Ljay Newsome became the first Seattle Mariners player drafted in the 26th round to make it to the major leagues. After beginning the year at the M’s alternate training site, he debuted with a strong three-inning relief appearance on August 20. When Walker was traded to Toronto, Newsome slid into the back of Seattle’s rotation.
He looked a bit over his head at times, but aside from one poor outing, the 23-year-old was okay on the mound. The Mariners will give him a shot at making the rotation in spring training; however, he might have to start the season at Triple-A or in the bullpen.
Looking Ahead
It’s safe to say four of the Mariners five starting spots are set for next year with Gonzales, Sheffield, Kikuchi, and Dunn. Top pitching prospect Logan Gilbert is probably a year away from making the show. That means DiPoto will have to sign someone from the outside. Hopefully, he gets a pitcher who can fill a top-two role.
Our series continues later this week.