Here’s one thing I by no means thought I’d say: I’m excited to look at Emerson Hancock pitch tonight.
The Mariners look to win their first collection of the season Saturday towards the Angels. They won Friday’s opener 4-0 in a protracted, irritating, 10-inning recreation that didn’t actually get going till the tip. The bats did ultimately come alive, simply in time to damage the Angels’ dwelling opener.
Hancock will take the mound seeking to make it two in a row for the Mariners and for himself. Hancock threw six no-hit innings final week towards the Guardians, hanging out 9 within the course of. He appeared to select proper up the place he left off after switching to the bullpen at the tip of final yr, with improved velocity able to producing a aggressive variety of whiffs.
One change he made in that first begin was decreasing his arm slot even additional, persevering with his pattern from his temporary days as a reliever. The improved Stuff+ numbers held in his first begin of 2026. With three sorts of fastballs, a changeup, and a sweeper — all thrown from a low arm slot — Hancock now has all of the makingss of a up to date starter, even when “just OK” velocity limits him to a mid-rotation arm. There’s nonetheless much more to show, after all, however the lack of depth within the Mariners’ rotation final yr is what saved them from a extra spectacular win whole. Hancock pitching anyplace above substitute degree can be a vital growth early in 2026.
The Mariners will face Angels’ righty Jack Kochanowicz, who Jake Mailhot lined in our series preview. Brendan Donovan is out of the lineup after exiting Friday’s recreation with a leg harm after stepping awkwardly on first base whereas making an attempt to leg out a grounder. Leo Rivas takes his place at third, and Luke Raley strikes as much as the leadoff spot.
Brendan Donovan has been introduced as day-to-day with a groin harm. He received imaging yesterday and the staff will assessment earlier than providing an replace. He isn’t in tonight’s lineup.
Brennen Davis (hamstring) and Victor Labrada (indirect) have been activated in Tacoma. Both are anticipated to play tonight.
