Mariners Game #17 Preview: 4/15/24, CIN at SEA

In case you’ve been unplugged the last few days (and oh, how I envy you if so), the Mariners dropped yet another series yesterday to the Cubs, a one-run loss that ended in the most painful way imaginable. It was a crushing loss, both spiritually and literally, as Dominic Canzone hurt his shoulder crashing into a wall and damaged his AC joint. The team made the move to call up speedy outfielder Jonatan Clase to replace Canzone, and he’ll be making his MLB debut tonight, batting eighth and starting in left field. It’s a very aggressive ask of the 21-year-old Clase, who will become the third-youngest player to debut this season, behind the pair of Jacksons (Chourio and Holliday). Today is also Jackie Robinson Day. What a day to make a debut, eh?

The Mariners will be facing the Reds, another NL Central team that you might not be as familiar with. No worries: Jake and John have the series preview for you here.

Lineups:

If you’re interested, Clase will wear #5 regularly, but today everyone is 42. Switch-hitting Clase is an interesting player to plug into the bottom of the lineup, although Frankie Montas is quite a different caliber pitcher than he’s been facing in Triple-A. Following Clase is Josh Rojas, who’s showed a real ability to turn the lineup over out of the nine-hole spot. Maybe tonight is the night Luke Raley’s luck turns around. It’d certainly be a welcome change.

Game information:

Game time: 6:42

TV: ROOT Sports NW, with Dave Sims and Mike Blowers on the call

Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith on the call

Today in Mariners history:

• 1998: “Ejection night at the Jake”

• 2009: On the fifth official Jackie Robinson Day, Ken Griffey Jr. hit his first home run at T-Mobile Park since returning to the Mariners.
• 2017 - James Paxton tossed 8.0 shutout frames, extending his scoreless inning streak to 21.0, the longest to start the season in Mariners history, as the Mariners blanked the Rangers 5-0.