Mariners Game #9 Preview and Discussion: SEA at LAA, 4/4

Here’s one thing I by no means thought I’d say: I’m excited to look at Emerson Hancock pitch tonight.

The Mariners look to win their first sequence of the season Saturday towards the Angels. They won Friday’s opener 4-0 in an extended, irritating, 10-inning sport that did not actually get going till the tip. The bats did finally come alive, simply in time to damage the Angels’ house opener.

Hancock will take the mound trying to make it two in a row for the Mariners and for himself. Hancock threw six no-hit innings final week towards the Guardians, putting out 9 within the course of. He appeared to choose proper up the place he left off after switching to the bullpen at the tip of final 12 months, with improved velocity able to producing a aggressive variety of whiffs.

One change he made in that first begin was decreasing his arm slot even additional, persevering with his development from his temporary days as a spotlight. The improved Stuff+ numbers held in his first begin of 2026. With three sorts of fastballs, a changeup, and a sweeper — all thrown from a low arm slot — Hancock now has all of the makings of a recent starter, even when “just OK” velocity limits him to a mid-rotation arm. There’s nonetheless much more to show, after all, however the lack of depth within the Mariners’ rotation final 12 months is what stored them from a extra spectacular win whole. Hancock pitching wherever above substitute stage can be a vital improvement early in 2026.

The Mariners will face Angels’ righty Jack Kochanowicz, who Jake Mailhot coated in our series preview. Brendan Donovan is out of the lineup after exiting Friday’s sport with a leg harm after stepping awkwardly on first base whereas attempting to leg out a grounder. Leo Rivas takes his place at third, and Luke Raley strikes as much as the leadoff spot.

Brendan Donovan has been introduced as day-to-day with a groin harm. He bought imaging yesterday and the workforce will evaluate earlier than providing an replace. He is just not in tonight’s lineup.

Brennen Davis (hamstring) and Victor Labrada (indirect) have been activated in Tacoma. Both are anticipated to play tonight.