Mariners notebook: Walker about to return?

While all signs point to the Mariners recalling right-handed pitcher Taijuan Walker to start Monday’s game at Houston, manager Lloyd McClendon reiterated he’s “not yet” ready to confirm any decision.

Walker pitched a complete-game shutout in his last start for Class AAA Tacoma and would be ready to start Monday on his normal rest.

Generally regarded as the organization’s top prospect prior to the season, Walker experienced shoulder soreness shortly after arriving in February for spring training. A recurrence in April further delayed his return.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Some roster move prior to Monday’s game seems certain because the Mariners are currently carrying just four starting pitchers after last Wednesday’s decision to option Erasmo Ramirez to Tacoma.

All right in left

Through Friday, feft-fielder Dustin Ackley had saved seven runs in June with his defensive play, according to stats compiled by ESPN. That tied for the second-highest total in the the majors for the month.

Surprised? So was Ackley, who responded: “Really? I’ll take it.”

Ackley’s defense helps ease his disappointing bat: A 13-for-83 slide over the past 25 games brought him into Saturday with a .220 average.

“It’s bad,” McClendon agreed. “He’s grinding. He’s trying. Actually, he’s putting together some pretty good at-bats. He’s just not having positive results. He’ll continue to work and, hopefully, he’ll come out of it.

“The thing where it hasn’t hurt us is we’ve been winning. Listen, we need him to be successful out there. We need him to be productive.”

As for Ackley’s defense?

“I think he’s done a 100 percent turnaround,” McClendon said, “and I mean from what I saw in spring training. He was rough around the edges. Now, he looks the part.”

The same ESPN metric showed third baseman Kyle Seager at plus-five for the month. The June leader, through Friday, was Kansas City outfielder Jarrod Dyson at plus-8.

Three other outfielders matched Ackley at plus-7: Kansas City’s Alex Gordon, Cincinnati’s Billy Hamilton and Atlanta’s Jason Heyward.

Politicking for Felix

The All-Star Game is just over two weeks away, and McClendon has some advice for Boston manager John Farrell, who will run the American League squad for the July 15 game at Minnesota.

It concerns Felix Hernandez.

“He should start the All-Star Game,” McClendon said. “If they want to win, he should start.”

Hernandez starts today’s series finale against the Indians. If the Mariners use five starters over the next two weeks, Hernandez would be positioned to start the All-Star Game on his regular schedule.

McClendon is also pushing for Seager and closer Fernando Rodney as possible selections. Second baseman Robinson Cano had a big lead in fan voting to determine the starters in the last balloting update.

Short hops

Endy Chavez served Saturday as the starting designated hitter for just the third time in his 13-year career. All three times have been this month. … Lefty James Paxton reported no day-after problems following his 25-pitch bullpen workout on Friday in his recovery from a strained back muscle. … Brad Miller entered Saturday on a .313 surge (26-for-83) with a .864 OPS in 26 games since May 29. … Kyle Seager, through Friday, had 53 RBI in 56 games since April 23. The only players with more since that date were Toronto’s Edwin Encarnacion (57) and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera (54).

Million mark

The Mariners figured to pass the one million count in attendance Saturday for the 30th straight year. They entered the night at 980,500 for 41 home dates.

The last time they failed to reach one million was 1984, when they drew 870,372 at the Kingdome for a 74-88 club. They finished last season at 1,761,661.

Their average of 23,915 through Friday puts them on pace to finish with 1,937,115. That would be their best season attendance since drawing 2,085,630 in 2010.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Stanwood players cheer as pitcher Addi Anderson lifts the 3A District 1 Championship trophy in the air after beating Sedro-Woolley for the title on Thursday, May 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Stanwood softball ekes out District 1 3A title

The Spartans defeat top seed Sedro-Woolley 2-1 in 10 innings thanks to Addi Anderson’s gem.

Snohomish’s Abby Edwards yells after beating Edmonds-Woodway in the 3A District 1 consolation game on Thursday, May 15, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish softball punches state tournament ticket

The Panthers stay hot after slow start to season with 12-2 win against Edmonds-Woodway.

Lake Stevens shortstop Aspen Alexander nearly makes a sliding play in the field during a playoff loss to Bothell on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for Thursday, May 15

Lake Stevens clinches first state berth in eight years.

Monroe’s Hadley Oylear fields the ball during the game against Stanwood on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for Thursday, May 15

Monroe, Snohomish and Edmonds-Woodway clinch state spots.

Prep boys soccer roundup for Thursday, May 15

Lake Stevens clinches state berth, Archbishop Murphy avoids elimination

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for May 4-10

The Athlete of the Week nominees for May 4-10. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Jackson’s Chanyoung Park putts during the 4A District 1 Golf Tournament at Snohomish Golf Course on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chanyoung Park, Jackson girls golf claim District 1 4A titles

The sophomore headlines the Timberwolves’ underclassmen trio on the road to state.

Jackson's Gracie Schouten warms up before a District 1 4A playoff match on May 14, 2025 at Mill Creek Tennis Club. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Jackson, Glacier Peak and Mariner girls tennis secure state spots

Jackson took first and second in singles; Glacier Peak won doubles at the District 1 4A Tournament.

Shorewood's Rylie Gettmann hits the ball during a Class 3A District 1 girls tennis tournament at Snohomish High School in Snohomish, Washington on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Shorewood’s Rylie Gettmann four-peats as district tennis champ

Mari Brittle and Bridget Cox completed a Stormrays sweep with the doubles title.

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Nielsen runs across home plate during the game against Issaquah on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for Wednesday, May 14

Grizzlies roar back to earn state softball bid.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts after sacking quarterback Aaron Rodgers Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Andrew Mills / Tribune News Services)
NFL releases Seahawks’ 2025 schedule

Early DK Metcalf reunion, SF opener, 4 primetime games highlight slate.

Sonics’ return? NBA commissioner talks expansion

By now, it’s like the drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet.… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.