Mariners Notebook: A big opportunity for Kade Anderson

Kade Anderson on the bump for a Friday night Seattle Mariners game against the Dodgers closer to the end of spring training than the beginning was probably not on many bingo cards heading into things, but here we are. And why not?

Why No. 3 overall pick Kade Anderson wanted Mariners to draft him

The Mariners have been running with an extra rotation spot all spring, and with Bryce Miller out with oblique inflammation, there are now two. And each time Anderson has been given the ball this spring, he has given them no reason to take it away.

“What we have seen from him has been pretty dynamic,” manager Dan Wilson said Friday morning. “This kid has shown us a lot of maturity and has thrown the ball well, and so it will be a good test and a fun one tonight.”

Wilson acknowledged the plan may not have been to get Anderson more than a start or two in spring training, but it is indeed a luxury to see him and others in bigger spring situations.

“I think it is working out this way,” he said. “For he and Emerson (Hancock) to get the work that they have had, and (Cooper) Criswell, has been great. It’s kind of a luxury that we have it and great to see that Kade’s going to get another opportunity tonight.”

What kind of opportunity it is remains to be seen. It is most likely an opportunity to show he can manage his emotions and handle big league hitters in what for him is a very big situation. It is not likely an opportunity to make the club out of spring training. Never mind the fact that the spot would be temporary, as Miller should return sooner than later. But as advanced as Anderson is, especially for a 2025 draft pick, there is experience he probably still needs according to Wilson.

“Not having been through any professional season yet, there is just so much that you need to learn going through something like that,” Wilson said. “You can’t put enough value on that. So whether or not it’s 26 (man roster), I don’t know. But to know that we have a pretty special competitor out there and someone who can throw the ball, throw it well and have great poise on the mound with it, that’s exciting. And to know he’s going to get started professionally this year is also exciting. And it will be interesting to follow his progress as he goes.”

Lineup!

Brendan Donovan, 3B
Rob Refsnyder, DH
Mitch Garver, C
Connor Joe, RF
Patrick Wisdom, 1B
Colt Emerson, SS
Rhylan Thomas, LF
Jonny Farmelo, CF
Brock Rodden, 2B

Kade Anderson, SP

Jose Ferrer, Robinson Ortiz, Carlos Vargas, Guillermo Zuniga and Tyler Cleveland are on the game day roster to work in relief.

Coverage of Mariners-Dodgers begins at 6 p.m. on Seattle Sports 710 AM and the Seattle Sports app.

Notes

• A decision on who will pitch out of the fifth spot to begin the regular season while Miller is out will be made in the next three or four days, according to Wilson.

• Kade Anderson is not the only young pitcher to make a big impression in camp. Fellow top prospect Ryan Sloan wowed with his one inning of scoreless work in a Cactus League start March 1, but he hasn’t been seen in a big league game since. He is still in big league camp and has been throwing bullpens. Why no game action? Well, he has actually thrown in a minor league game. The reason? Innings. They need to stretch him out for the regular season and would also like to keep both him and Anderson on a schedule to throw significant innings in the Spring Breakout game on March 20, so Anderson has been getting his work in the Cactus League games and Sloan on the minor league side.

• All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz and assistant hitting coach Bobby Magallanes returned to camp from the World Baseball Classic after Mexico’s elimination. Randy Arozarena is expected back in the next day or two.

• Miles Mastrobuoni, who left Team Italy early due to a calf injury, is also back in camp. He spent most of Friday working with trainers. The injury does not appear to be serious.

• We have a game time change due to high temperatures in the Phoenix area – and are anticipating more, so stay tuned. For now, the Mariners’ game against the Guardians in Goodyear on March 20 that was originally scheduled for the afternoon has been moved to 6:05 p.m.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• The reason Cole Young is having a good spring isn’t what you think
• How Mariners players are faring in the World Baseball Classic
• OF Brennen Davis seizing expanded opportunity in M’s camp
• Seattle Mariners’ Bryce Miller stops short of throwing planned bullpen
• Seattle Mariners slated for two more national TV games in 2026

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