The wider picture
The Seattle Mariners are set to kick off their 2026 season at T-Mobile Park on March 27 against the Cleveland Guardians. This marks a significant moment for the team, as they are coming off their first division title and American League Championship Series appearance in 24 years. However, the excitement is tempered by injuries to several key players, which have forced the team to make adjustments to their roster.
As the Mariners finalize their lineup for Opening Day, they have placed starting pitcher Bryce Miller on the 15-day injured list due to a strained left oblique. Additionally, shortstop J.P. Crawford is sidelined with right shoulder inflammation and will be on the 10-day injured list. Another notable absence is Miles Mastrobuoni, who is also on the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain. These injuries present a challenge for the Mariners as they look to start the season strong.
In light of these injuries, Logan Gilbert has been named the starting pitcher for the season opener. Meanwhile, Leo Rivas is expected to step in as the starting shortstop in place of Crawford. The Mariners’ roster adjustments reflect their commitment to maintaining competitiveness despite the setbacks.
The projected Opening Day lineup includes players such as Brendan Donovan, Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, Josh Naylor, Randy Arozarena, Luke Raley, Dominic Canzone, Leo Rivas, and Cole Young. This lineup showcases a blend of talent and experience, aiming to build on the team’s recent success.
With Miller on the injured list, Emerson Hancock will slide into the No. 5 spot in the rotation. The Mariners are hopeful that these adjustments will allow them to remain competitive in the early part of the season. The team’s management has expressed confidence in the depth of their roster to handle these challenges.
In addition to the on-field changes, the Mariners are also adapting to new broadcasting arrangements. Following the shutdown of their former TV home, ROOT Sports, after the 2025 season, Mariners games will now air on Xfinity channel 1261 and Spectrum channel 414 in the Seattle/Tacoma area. Fans will need to subscribe to the new service, which costs $99.99 for the entire season or $19.99 monthly.
The Mariners’ first game of the season is scheduled to start at 7:10 p.m. on March 27. As the team prepares to take the field, they are focused on overcoming the challenges posed by injuries and building on their recent achievements. Observers are keen to see how the team will perform in the face of adversity and what strategies they will employ to secure a successful start to the 2026 season.
