MINNEAPOLIS — When asked about who his Sunday starter would be, Mariners manager Eric Wedge told the assembled media Thursday in San Diego “it’s easy to figure out, just do the math.”
Clearly, Wedge was overestimating the abilities of his local reporters.
But simple math — five days rest and a June 1 opt out date — made it clear that Wedge was talking about veteran Jeremy Bonderman making the start tomorrow in Minnesota.
On Friday, Wedge officially announced that the Pasco native would take Brandon Maurer’s spot in the rotation.
“He’s been pretty consistent,” Wedge said. “It was a progression of what we saw this spring. He’s putting the ball on the ground. He’s been aggressive. His arm has been pretty strong and he’s using all of his pitches. He obviously has a great deal of experience. He’s worked hard to get here.”
Bonderman was 2-4 with a 4.52 earned run average in Tacoma in 11 starts. In 632/3 innings, he struck out 33 and walked 18. His overall numbers were dented by a few bad starts, including his last home start where he gave up eight runs on 11 hits in five innings.
Wedge isn’t expecting Felix Hernandez-caliber production from Bonderman. He’s just hoping for some consistency out of that spot. The talented Maurer could never find that in 10 starts, lasting less than six innings in five of them. Bonderman won’t be overpowering, but the hope is that he will be consistent.
“He’ll give us a chance to win the ball game,” Wedge said. “He’s been here and done it before.”
Bonderman pitched eight seasons for the Detroit Tigers, posting a 67-77 record. He’s started 193 big league games in his career.
The Mariners will have to make room on the 40-man roster and the 25-man roster for Bonderman.
It seems likely that infielder Alex Liddi, who was called up a three days ago when Maurer was sent down to Tacoma, could rejoin the Rainiers.
The team will have to designate a player for assignment for the 40-man roster. Infielder Vinnie Catricala, who is with Class AA Jackson, is a possibility.
Morse flies to Minnesota
Michael Morse was in the visitors’ clubhouse at Target Field and in good spirits after spending the last two days in Seattle getting treatment for a strained quadriceps.
Morse took batting practice with the team and participated in a few other activities. However, running was still an issue.
“I can hit, I can do everything,” he said. “I think the one thing I feel maybe is running. It’s just sore. It’s a little tight, but it’s not a pulled feeling anymore. If it was up to me, I’d give it one or two days more and I’ll be fine.”
Morse couldn’t believe he suffered the injury, but is happy it wasn’t worse.
“To me, it’s such a fluke thing,” he said. “I felt so good. I’ve been taking good care of my legs, and I feel great in the outfield. I felt really good running, and especially right there I felt great. I just tried to push it a little too much. I compare it to driving a car and red-lining a car. You just don’t do that.
“I tried to run a little faster. But I’m not fast, so I don’t know what I was doing.”
Andino headed to the Rainiers
Infielder Robert Andino has cleared waivers and accepted his outright assignment to Class AAA Tacoma. He will report to the Rainiers for tonight’s game against the Sacramento River Cats at Cheney Stadium. The Rainiers’ infield will be crowded with Brad Miller, just called up to play shortstop, and the recently demoted Dustin Ackley playing second base. Andino hit .184 (14-for-76) in 27 games with 27 strikeouts and seven walks.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
