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Mariners Weigh Rotation Shuffle as Bryce Miller Nears Activation

An in-person check in Chicago will determine activation versus another rehab outing.

Overview

  • Bryce Miller joined the club in Chicago for a debrief after five scoreless rehab innings at High-A Everett and could either take his next turn in Houston or make one more start at Triple-A Tacoma.
  • The team is mapping how to handle six healthy starters, including a six-man rotation, a piggyback plan with Miller and Luis Castillo, or shifting Emerson Hancock or Castillo to relief.
  • Going to six starters would cost a bullpen spot, which matters with Matt Brash and Gabe Speier out and closer Andrés Muñoz working through struggles.
  • Infielder Brendan Donovan is expected to be activated for the White Sox series opener, and catcher Cal Raleigh has rejoined the lineup and plans to play regularly.
  • Performance is shaping the debate as Hancock leads the staff in ERA and strikeout rate, while Castillo’s 6.29 ERA and lack of relief history, plus his contract, make a bullpen move complicated.