Overview
- Mariners manager Dan Wilson announced that Emerson Hancock will start the scheduled finale instead of serving as a short, mid-start reliever for Logan Gilbert, a move that replaces the club’s brief piggyback plan for that game.
- Wilson confirmed Seattle will run a six-man rotation through the All-Star break to reduce starter workloads and give pitchers more rest going into and coming out of the break.
- Logan Gilbert responded with a long, effective outing in the game before the switch as the Mariners routed Toronto 11-0, a win highlighted by multiple homers including a long shot by Randy Arozarena.
- Hancock arrives with a 5-4 record and a 3.47 ERA and is coming off a no-decision in which he allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings in Cleveland, which underpins the club’s choice to give him a traditional start.
- The workload shift follows reporting that Seattle’s starters have logged a major-league-high 520 1/3 innings this season, a total that could increase bullpen use and affect pitcher freshness after the break while Toronto plans to counter with right-hander Trey Yesavage.