If this were the fifth game of the regular season, there doesn’t seem much question who the Mariners would put on the mound.
Jason Vargas, one of four competing for the Mariners’ fifth starter job, gave up two hits and a walk in 3 2/3 scoreless innings today in their 6-4 loss to the Cleveland Indians.
Vargas pitched deeper into the game than any Mariner in their seven exhibition games and has been as impressive with his poise as with his stuff. He hasn’t allowed a run in 5 2/3 innings in two outings.
Of the others in the running for the fifth starter job, right-hander Doug Fister had a nervous outing Monday against the Brewers and has an 11.25 ERA after two games; left-hander Garrett Olson has been a mess in his two games, allowing three hits and five walks in 1 2/3 innings and posting a 32.40 ERA; and left-hander Luke French, who pitched two scoreless innings in his first game, will pitch Wednesday against the Rangers.
Yes, there’s plenty of time for someone to step up and make run at the job, or make a late nosedive and lose it. Manager Don Wakamatsu is taking notes.
“I thought Vargas was outstanding,” Wakamatsu said. “What I liked about it is he’s in better shape than last year and it looks like his mechanics are a little tighter, and he looks confident.”
In addition to Jose Lopez’s attempted conversion to third base, a job or two in long relief and a bench role, the fifth starter is one of the key issues to be determined in camp.
So far, it’s been a one-man show with Vargas.
Other things of note from today’s game:
—Matt Tuiasosopo drew two walks in an 0-for-1 day at the plate, but he played well again at shortstop in his attempt to win a utility job. Tuiasosopo has been the most versatile Mariner so far, having started twice at shortstop, once at second baes and once at third in the Mariners’ seven games.
“I like what I see so far,” Wakamatsu said. “It’s something we’ve asked him to do, be as versatile as possible. He gives us some offensive plusses compared to some of the other guys. That’s going to be a big key for him.”
—Franklin Gutierrez started his second straight game after being slowed because of a sore right shoulder. He didn’t baby that arm today, making a strong throw from center field to first base in an attempt to double Shin-Soo Choo off the bag. Gutierrez had started that play by making a backhand shoestring catch on a fly to left-center field.
“I told him to take it easy and if there’s any close plays don’t do it,” Wakamatsu said. “Then right away on the tagup play, he catches it and tries to throw the guy out at first base, and I started cringing. He threw the ball well and he said he was fine after that. That’s a good sign.”
—Wakamatsu also said closer David Aardsma threw a bullpen today “and was really good. He worked on some pickoff plays and it didn’t seem to bother him at all.” Aardsma had tightness in his groin during his first game Thursday.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
