Nobody is going to win or lose a job this early in camp, although that doesn’t mean folks in the media can’t make more of a spring training game than there is.
So, Jason Vargas, looks like this will be the start of your life. OK, then it’s at least a good time to keep the fifth-starter competition interesting.
Vargas is scheduled to pitch the first two innings today against the Padres, beginning his quest to grab the one opening in the Mariners’ starting rotation. Doug Fister pitched two innings Wednesday and, after giving up three runs to the first five hitters he faced, retired five straight (including three by strikeout in the second inning).
Vargas started 14 games last year and pitched nine others in relief, going 3-6 witha 4.91 ERA in 91 2/3 innings.
Others on today’s pitching list are right-handers Shawn Kelley, Levale Speigner, Brandon League, David Aardsma and Josh Fields, and left-handers Nick Hill and Edward Paredes. Also suiting up will be minor leaguers Erasmo Ramirez (a right-hander) and Jimmy Gillheeny (a lefty).
Tomorrow, two more left-handers hoping to crack the rotation, Luke French and Garrett Olson, will pitch against the Padres.
Where are the big guns of the rotation? Both Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee are scheduled to throw simulated games Friday as the Mariners manage their workloads early in camp after both reached career highs in innings last year.
Ian Snell will start Saturday and Ryan Rowland-Smith on Sunday, both games against the Padres.
Here are today’s lineups:
MARINERS
Michael Saunders, center field
Eric Byrnes, left field
Ryan Garko, first base
Mike Sweeney, DH
Jack Hannahan, shortstop
Ryan Langerhans, right field
Josh Bard, catcher
Matt Tuiasosopo, second base
Chris Woodward, third base
Left-hander Jason Vargas, starting pitcher
PADRES
Tony Gwynn, center field
Jerry Hairston, second base
Adrian Gonzalez, first base
Chase Headley, third base
Kyle Blanks, left field
Scott Hairston, right field
Matt Stairs, DH
Yorvit Torrealba, catcher
Everth Cabrera, shortstop
Right-hander Chris Young, starting pitcher
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