3/6/21: Mariners Spring Training Game Six Open Game Thread

Justin Dunn makes his 2021 debut as the Mariners face an AL West foe for the first time this spring

Today the Mariners get a peek at an AL West foe for the first time this spring as they match up against the Oakland Athletics, a team you will undoubtedly be sick of seeing by mid-June. But for now, everything still has that new kelly-green smell:

The A’s are rolling with a prospect-heavy lineup including slugger Greg Deichmann and fun-sized shortstop Nick Allen, and will be starting prized pitching prospect Daulton Jefferies, who got a small taste of MLB action last year (like, very very small, like two innings small, the Nick Allen of MLB tastes).

The Mariners, on the other hand, are on their “A” lineup day, with something pretty close to what we should see on Opening Day or thereabouts, the absence of Kyle Lewis notwithstanding. The defensively-gifted Luís Liberato will take his place in center. We also get to see Luis Torrens hit for the first time this spring, which is fun, and Justin Dunn makes his first start of the spring. Also scheduled to pitch: LHP Nick Margevicius, RHP Gerson Bautista, RHP Jaime Schultz, and RHP Taylor Guerrieri will be the Italian Heritage Mariners Pitcher of the Day.

Fun news: pitching prospects Emerson Hancock and Brandon Williamson have been added to camp, although I’m not sure if this is a typo from the Mariners or just a dispiriting way to break this news:

Speaking of dispiriting news, bad news on the Jarred Kelenic front; he has Grade 2 adductor strain in his knee and will be out for some time, although how much time he’ll miss isn’t clear. However long it is, it’s going to be a real bummer to not see Kelenic take the field.

Also a bummer: today’s game isn’t on TV, which really stinks for those of us (John) curious about seeing the new-look Justin Dunn, who reportedly lost weight and gained flexibility this off-season. At least today it isn’t on tape delay, but it’s still a real big stinker for a day when folks are largely at home and able to watch the team. How are we supposed to Sea Us Rise if we can’t actually...see it? Anyway, the game starts at 12:15 our time because Arizona hasn’t changed over yet, and you can listen on the Mariners site or 710.