Bryce Miller’s return set; Mariners shakeup lineup vs southpaw

Bryce Miller will return to a big league mound this weekend, and the Seattle Mariners also had an interesting wrinkle in their lineup for Thursday night’s series finale against the Washington Nationals.

After 5 DFA’s, Seattle Mariners pitcher is in the majors again

Manager Dan Wilson said pregame that Miller will make his first start since going on the injured list Saturday against the Minnesota Twins, Seattle Sports’ Mariners insider Shannon Drayer reported on social media.

Bryce Miller will start Sat. for the Mariners. Woo Fri., Miller Sat., Castillo Sun.

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) May 29, 2025

Miller, who was placed on the IL with inflammation in his pitching elbow, did not require a rehab stint due to the short length of his absence. The right-hander last pitched May 11. In eight starts, he’s 2-4 with a 5.22 ERA and 1.54 WHIP over 39 2/3 innings this season.

More: Mariners GM shares latest updates on Logan Gilbert, Bryce Miller

As for the lineup, Jorge Polanco is notably getting a start against Nationals left-hander Mackenzie Gore, who leads MLB with 93 strikeouts. The switch-hitter is batting seventh as the designated hitter.

Rocking the City Connects tonight 🔱 #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/iPruVjEwOL

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 29, 2025

Polanco was limited to hitting from the left side of the plate only for over a month due to a side injury. He returned to hitting from the right side May 6, but hadn’t made a start against a left-hander since. Polanco is 3 for 12 with a double and walk while hitting from the right side against lefties this year.

With Polanco assuming DH duties for the night, Mitch Garver is given a rare night off against a southpaw. Garver is hitting .226 with a .349 on-base percentage in 63 plate appearances against left-handers this year.

Dylan Moore was bumped up in the lineup as well. The 2024 AL utility Gold Glove winner was batting fifth for just the second time this season and playing second base. His five home runs against southpaws are tied for sixth in MLB.

First pitch for the Mariners’ series finale against the Nationals is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Radio coverage starts on 710 AM Seattle Sports and the Seattle Sports app at 5:30 p.m. with the pregame show.

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