Seattle Mariners: The Pitching Future is Here Already
Matt Brash
Now for the bad news. Matt Brash has arguably the best stuff in the rotation and maybe on the pitching staff. He was just right behind Julio Rodriguez in terms of excitement coming out of Spring Training. Unfortunately, his spring training success did not accompany him to the MLB level.
Through four starts and 17 innings pitched, he’s given up three dingers and 13 walks, leading to a horrendous 6.88 ERA and 1.82 WHIP. On the bright side, Brash has a win and 16 strikeouts.
Instead of getting better with each start, Brash is getting worse. His most recent start, against the Miami Marlins, saw him go only two innings with six earned runs allowed. His future is still bright. The question that is getting louder (probably too soon) is, “Will he be better out of the pen or as part of the rotation?”
His stuff is getting a combined 92.1 whiff percentage, with his slider receiving a 21.6 percent PutAway. Brash’s biggest problem right now is locating his pitches for strikes. Once he corrects or even improves, there will be marked results.
Matt Brash, 98mph Fastball and 85mph Slider, Overlay. pic.twitter.com/m9Z9s3EvZn
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 29, 2022
Outlook
For now, these three young arms are still must-see TV. As a whole, the Seattle Mariners are a very exciting team to watch. This season will be loads of fun. If Brash can turn his early-season struggles around, and both Munoz and Gilbert can continue their early success, then this team is going to win more games than it will lose. Not only that, but contend for the American League West Division title.