Seattle Mariners Three Stars of Week 2 (April 5-11)
Joe Swenson
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Star #3: Taylor Trammell
.235 average .969 OPS, 2 HRs, 5 RBI, 4 walks
The rookie had a much better second half of the week, but he strikes out so much. This week Taylor Trammell struck out 10 times in 17 at-bats. The performance is only slightly better than Trammell’s six strikeouts in his first ten at-bats. In the Twins series, he was 3-for-10 with two home runs and three walks against five strikeouts.
One of the telling things for Trammell’s struggles at the plate is, in games he’s played, and the Mariners lost, Trammell is 0-for-8, with 8 strikeouts and 4 walks. Also, he’s had two strikes on him 24 times this season. In those situations, Trammell has 2 hits, 4 walks, and struck out 16 times.
The final two games of the Twins series were good ones for the Mariner’s centerfielder. Overall, the rest of the week wasn’t that good, but he was integral in the M’s two wins.
Star #2: Will Vest
3 appearances, 5.1 innings pitched, 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA
Will Vest is doing more than what it takes to remain on the big-league roster. The Rule 5 draft pick had a very strong week, only giving up a single earned run for the week. He was part of a bullpen that absolutely dominated this week.
The most compelling part of Vest’s performance was “accidentally” throwing an 87 MPH change-up at Byron Buxton’s ear. Was it retaliation? Probably not; it was a change-up after all. But after Ty France got hit high on the shoulder for a second time, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some intent on the pitch. That’s the kind of grittiness this Mariner’s team needs.