Watch Logan Gilbert’s 1st inning, Jarred Kelenic’s 1st AB for Mariners
May 13, 2021, 7:46 PM | Updated: 9:55 pm
The Mariners’ two big prospects have officially made their MLB debuts. So how did their very first opportunities in “the show” go?
Dipoto: Why Kelenic, Gilbert are ready | Drayer: Debuts mark next step
Right-handed pitcher Logan Gilbert, the Mariners’ first-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, had a nice and tidy first inning Thursday night in the opening game of a four-game set against Cleveland at T-Mobile Park.
Though he didn’t record his first major league strikeout, he more than got the job done against the top of Cleveland’s order, retiring the first three hitters all on weak flyouts. And he needed just eight pitches to do so.
Easy as 1-2-3
Logan Gilbert retires the side in order in his first @MLB inning. pic.twitter.com/xrqH70NpZA
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 14, 2021
As soon as Gilbert wrapped up the first frame, it was left fielder Jarred Kelenic, the No. 6 overall pick in that same 2018 draft (he was taken by the Mets and traded to the Mariners the next offseason), who quickly got his first plate appearance leading off for Seattle.
Kelenic took a hack at the first offering he saw from Cleveland starter Zach Plesac, and while it looked good off the bat, it ended up in the glove of Cleveland right fielder Josh Naylor, who barrelled into the stands in the right-field corner to make an outstanding catch.
What an insane catch! 😱
Watch on #MLBTV ➡️ https://t.co/cwOrkrrbfj pic.twitter.com/acIXcw4yCj
— MLB.TV (@MLBTV) May 14, 2021
While Kelenic didn’t find his way on base to begin his MLB career, he did record a putout soon after, catching a fly ball to open the second inning.
Gilbert eventually ran into trouble, giving up homers to José Ramírez, the American League home run leader, and Franmil Reyes, who is also high up on the AL leaderboard. He pitched four innings, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out five and walking none.
Kelenic finished his night 0 for 4 at the plate with two flyouts, a ground out and a strikeout.
The Mariners got five innings of shutout baseball from their bullpen and a home run by Dylan Moore but lost 4-2.
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