Seattle Mariners Game #25: 4/25/24, SEA at TEX

One last chance to make an opening statement in Texas that can set the tone for the whole season.

Coming off of a rough game two loss, with the series now even, it will be up to La Piedra and a crew without their starting shortstop for the second game in a row to bounce back and take the first series of the year against the division rival Texas Rangers.

Roster moves

Affecting today’s lineup and lineups moving forward, the Mariners made some roster moves, primarily officially moving J.P. Crawford to the injured list.

The update on Crawford, and reason for the official move to the IL:

One person’s setback can be another’s opportunity, and such is the case for minor league infielder Leo Rivas, a 26 year old righty bat making his Major League debut. From Zach Mason's coverage of the spring training non-roster invitees:

Leo Rivas (76) is more interesting because he’s never appeared in MLB before. After six years in Anaheim’s development system, he wisely tried to catch on with a team that knew what it was doing. In 2020-2021, the Reds looked like they did, but as a shortstop, he got squeezed out by Cincinnati’s plethora of blue-chip infielders. So last season he signed a minor-league deal with Seattle. Suddenly the Mariners’ minor-league infield looks a little crowded too, but he walked almost as much as he struck out in Arkansas while swiping 50 bags, so there’s an outside chance he gets to debut at some point this season.

Looks like ZAM nailed it on the last sentence. Welcome to the show, kid.

Lineups

A crucial return to the lineup especially with the Crawford injury is Cal Raleigh, returning after his tooth-related absence yesterday, and a welcome one as he has been one of if not the hottest bat on the lineup. Julio will slide into the lead-off role, Dylan Moore will man shortstop for today and the foreseeable future, and Luis Urías will take his share of the third base platoon with a lefty on the mound. It will be Urías first game back after being sidelined temporarily with a wrist contusion. Jonatan Clase made way for Luke Raley the last few starts, but will get the start in left field and bat in the nine hole.

Today is a backup catcher lineup for the Rangers, with Heim sitting and Andrew Knizner taking his place and slotting in at the bottom of the order. Leody Taveras is another name missing from yesterday to today, and that makes room for Ezequiel Durán to get the start at third base.

Game info

Game time: 11:35 AM Pacific

TV: ROOT SPORTS with Dave Sims and Mike Blowers

Radio: Seattle Sports (710 AM) with Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith