The Mariners wrapped up their spring training game in Maryvale with a loss, but the bigger concern is whether one of their standout players will be ready for Opening Day.
Unfortunately, there was no video feed available for today’s matchup, which featured two key players under scrutiny this spring: Jorge Polanco, making another start at third base, and Mitch Garver, looking to put a rough 2024 season behind him in his second year with the team. Polanco got the Mariners on the board early, delivering a sharply hit RBI single in the first inning that brought in Luke Raley, who had doubled to lead off. However, Garver soon stole the spotlight, blasting a two-run homer to left-center, giving Seattle an early 3-0 lead.
In the third inning, Polanco continued his strong showing at the plate with another line-drive single, prompting the Brewers to pull starter Tobias Myers. But the game took a concerning turn when Kaleb Bowman, the new pitcher, hit Garver on the hand with a fastball, forcing him to exit. Hand injuries are always worrisome, especially against high-velocity pitchers like Bowman, so updates will be closely monitored.
Defensively, Polanco had a rough outing at third, mishandling a tough hop in his first opportunity. However, things were steadier at shortstop, where Colt Emerson showed improvement after some early spring struggles. On the mound, Casey Lawrence struggled after Polanco’s error allowed Jackson Chourio to reach, surrendering a two-run homer to Christian Yelich in the bottom of the first. Chourio later doubled off Lawrence in the third, ending the pitcher’s outing. Austin Kitchen relieved him but couldn’t prevent Chourio from scoring, allowing an RBI single to Garrett Mitchell and later a bases-clearing triple, pushing Milwaukee ahead 7-3.
Gregory Santos took over in the fourth and had some erratic moments, including an errant fastball that sailed over everyone’s head. Despite allowing a couple of singles, he was helped by a strong throw from Cal Raleigh, who caught Andruw Monasterio attempting to steal. Santos’ fastball remained in the 97-98 mph range.
A frightening moment came in the fifth inning when broadcaster Rick Rizzs was hit in the back of the head by a foul ball, causing a temporary broadcast disruption. Both Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr. sounded shaken but later assured listeners that Rizzs was okay, even returning to the broadcast in the seventh.
The Mariners showed some late life when top prospect Harry Ford entered the game, immediately smacking an RBI double—Seattle’s first run since the first inning. Ford later scored on an RBI groundout from Anthony Donofrio, cutting the deficit to 7-5, but the comeback fell short in the ninth. Given the injury scares throughout the game, simply escaping Maryvale without further setbacks was a relief. The Mariners now have a rest day before resuming action, with Hill jokingly saying he plans to check on Rizzs hourly to ensure he’s not concussed.
Other Notes:
- Luke Raley nearly homered in his leadoff double, later walked, but struck out twice.
- Randy Arozarena went 0-for-3 but made solid contact, only to be robbed twice by Brewers shortstop Brice Turang’s stellar defense.
- Ryan Bliss kept up his hot spring with a line-drive single and turned it into a triple with two stolen bases.
- Colt Emerson worked a nine-pitch battle before striking out in his first at-bat and later drew a walk against big-leaguer Trevor Megill after a disciplined plate appearance.
- Will Klein, touching 98 mph with ease, delivered a clean sixth inning, showing promise despite some control issues. Sauryn Lao also pitched effectively, striking out two.
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