Mariners Game #21 Preview and Discussion: TEX at SEA, 4/17

When the Texas Rangers swept the Seattle Mariners over three games last week, I don’t think anyone blamed the Mariners’ starting pitching. So the good news is that the Mariners are slated to throw the same three starters back at the Rangers this weekend, beginning tonight with Logan Gilbert. Gilbert is fresh off what I rated as his best start in a year, with his slider finally looking as crisp as it had in 2024.

The bad news is that the Mariners’ offense will have to face the same three starters the Rangers threw at them, beginning tonight with deGrom. Gilbert v. deGrom would be a compelling matchup on the strenght of their pitching alone, but the narrative adds a little something to the mix on the basis that they’re both alumni of Stetson University. They’re two of just ten Hatters to make it to MLB. While they both pitched great when they faced off last Monday, the Rangers ultimately eked out a 2-1 victory.

This is in the Game Info section below too, but something cool about this game is that the Mariners are back on basic cable: Tonight’s game will be simulcast on both Mariners TV and KING 5. And that’s not all! Ryon Healy will be joining Aaron Goldsmith in the booth to do color commentary. I’m not sure what to expect in terms of insight, but I do think his himbo energy will be a perfect foil for Goldy. For a preview, enjoy this video the Mariners produced shortly after the trade that brought him to Seattle. Come for Mitch Haniger eating normal food back before he went off the rails, but stay for Ryon melting at the dessert at 0:57.

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Revisit the other Ryon highlights compiled by Matthew Roberson here.

Lineups

The Mariners will roll with what’s become their standard lineup against righties.

The Rangers will roll with Joc Pederson and a weirdly dour-looking deGrom. No really, why is this the promo photo?

Injury Updates

Carlos Vargas has started playing catch but won’t begin a full buildback routine until late May
Patrick Wisdom has an oblique strain and will be going to the IL. Rob Refsnyder is back from paternity leave to take his place on the 26-man anyway.