Mariners notebook: Starting rotation through the weekend takes shape

ANAHEIM, Calif. – As the starter-go-round continues for the Mariners, a quick look at the probables for the remainder of the week. Cody Martin becomes the 13th different pitcher to start a game for the Mariners Wednesday night. Hisashi Iwkuma will get the ball Thursday, then the pitching matchup for the weekend series against the Brewers is as follows:

Friday: Wade LeBlanc vs. TBA
Saturday: Felix Hernandez vs. Wily Peralta
Sunday: Ariel Miranda vs. TBA

Miranda remains in the rotation for now. While acknowledging that he is a work in progress, manager Scott Servais has been pleased with what he has seen from the left-hander in his short time with the Mariners.

“I thought he threw the ball well last night,” he said Wednesday. “(Pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr.) has done some things changing his grip and kind of what he is thinking on his breaking pitches, kind of turning it more into a slider. He threw a few last night. His willingness to try it is great.”

Miranda will have to more than try the slider if he wants to continue as a starter. He has a good base with his fastball and changeup, but to consistently start in the bigs he will need a solid third pitch.

“I think it’s in there,” said Servais. “Certainly plenty of fastball and the changeup plays off of it well. I think we can get something serviceable there.”

Notes

• James Paxton should throw a short rehab start either Saturday or Sunday in Tacoma and then, if all goes well, be ready for a start next Wednesday or Thursday in Seattle.

• Steve Cishek will throw a second rehab outing Wednesday night in Everett. The Mariners will make a determination after the outing if he is ready to return.

• Martin is the fifth former Gonzaga Bulldog to play for the Mariners and the first to start as a pitcher. The other M’s Zags? Tyler Olson, Jason Bay, Rick Sweet and Casey Parsons.

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