The Seattle Mariners are back in action tonight for Game #36 of the season, but they're walking into a storm. Fresh off a brutal sweep at the hands of the Kansas City Royals, the M's now have to face one of the best teams in baseball: the Atlanta Braves. It's a tough spot, but let's break down what's coming in this series preview.
Things are getting rough in the Emerald City. The injury bug has bitten hard, and there's no cavalry on the immediate horizon. Infielder Brendan Donovan is set to start a rehab assignment with Arkansas tomorrow, but he won't be back for this series. Outfielder Victor Robles is on a rehab stint in Tacoma, but he's also not expected to join the club until at least the next series. And catcher Cal Raleigh remains sidelined with a mysterious side injury—the club has offered no update on its severity. The bullpen took another hit today with news that left-hander Gabe Speier is headed to the IL with shoulder inflammation, joining Matt Brash (lat issue) on the shelf. At this rate, we're looking at a lineup that features Leo Rivas at third base, Mitch Garver behind the plate, and bullpen help recruited from local travel teams. It's a tough stretch, folks.
But there's a bright spot for local baseball fans—even if it's not for the Mariners. Tonight's starter for the Braves is JR Ritchie, a proud product of Bainbridge Island. The kid is coming home, and he's expected to have a huge support squad in the building. Don't be surprised if you hear some cheers when he strikes out a Mariner—it's a feel-good story, even if it stings a little.
On the flip side, Atlanta is getting healthier. They welcome back catcher Sean Murphy tonight, which led to the DFA of former AL West foe Jonah Heim—a move that could see him return to the Texas Rangers. The Braves are still banged up, though: center fielder Michael Harris II is out with a quad injury, and superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. will miss the entire series with a hamstring issue. So while Seattle's hurting, Atlanta isn't at full strength either.
Tonight's game is set for first pitch at T-Mobile Park. You can catch all the action on Mariners TV with Aaron Goldsmith and Dave Valle, plus Angie Mentink as the field analyst, or tune in on Seattle Sports Radio. Grab your Mariners gear, settle in, and hope the M's can turn things around against a tough Braves squad.