Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto still looking for arms, says Marco Gonzales debut ‘coming up shortly’
Jul 28, 2017, 6:00 AM | Updated: 11:32 am
Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto said Marco Gonzales will pitch for Seattle in 2017. (AP)
(AP)
The Mariners could see their most recent trade acquisition join the rotation soon, though he might not be the newest member of the pitching staff when that happens.
General manager Jerry Dipoto told “Danny, Dave and Moore” on Thursday that a promotion for Marco Gonzales from Triple-A isn’t far off, but the team may trade for another pitcher before Monday’s trade deadline.
“We feel like he is about as major-league ready as a Triple-A pitcher can be,” Dipoto said of Gonzales, a 25-year-old left-hander acquired from St. Louis for outfield prospect Tyler O’Neill. “We will see him in Seattle in 2017. Whether that’s in five days or 15 days, it’s coming up shortly.”
Stecker: Mariners still an arm short of making a run
That seems to indicate that the Mariners are just trying to figure out who Gonzales could replace in the rotation, with veteran Yovani Gallardo and rookie Andrew Moore the two possibilities. After a stint in the bullpen, Gallardo (5.58 ERA) made his first start in a month on July 23, allowing three runs in five innings in a loss to the Yankees. Moore, meanwhile, gave up four runs over 6 2/3 innings to Boston on Wednesday, and has a 5.65 ERA in six starts.
Gonzales made his Tacoma Rainiers debut last Monday, allowing three runs in six innings.
Even with Gonzales on the cusp of joining the team, Dipoto said he’s not done looking for arms that could help Seattle’s push for a playoff spot.
“We do feel like we are in this and we would like to add something. The likelihood is that that would still be on the pitching staff,” he said.
You can listen to the entirety of Dipoto’s interview at this link.
