Notebook: Drew Smyly becomes latest Mariner headed to the WBC

PEORIA, Ariz. – Mariners left-hander Drew Smyly got his work in Monday while making his second Cactus League start. He was pleased with what he saw from his pitches in the three innings he threw, giving up no runs and allowing just one hit with a walk and three strikeouts.

“I feel good right now,” he told reporters in the clubhouse. “Just trying to build up, just continue to work on command, consistency. I like where I am at.”

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Smyly, who is on Team USA’s “designated pitcher” list, then dropped a bit of news. He will be the 13th player from the organization to leave for the World Baseball Classic. He got the call.

“I’m leaving Thursday. It’s exciting,” he said. “Getting to be around those guys, everyone in that locker room is a tremendous player. The atmosphere, putting USA on your chest, playing against the best in the world.”

Smyly said he will pitch either the tie-breaker game in Round 1 or the first game of Round 2. He has been told he will pitch just one game in the WBC and he’s looking to make the most of the experience.

“Mainly just getting to know those guys and maybe try to pick some of their brains. I think I can only get better talking to those caliber players,” he said. “And getting to be back with my own Detroit coaching staff, too: Jim Leyland and Jeff Jones, the pitch coach. I am excited to see them and get to play for Jim again.”

Smyly leaves on an up note, according to Mariners manager Scott Servais.

“He was really, really sharp today,” Servais said. “Got all his pitches working, good changeups, really good curveball today. He’s been sharp both times out there, feels good about what he’s doing. I like what we are seeing.”

Notes

• The Mariners beat the Rangers 9-0 to improve to 7-4 on the spring. Standouts included Mike Zunino with a home run and double, Taylor Motter with his first home run of the spring and Daniel Vogelbach scoring from first on the Zunino double. On the pitching side, Max Povse threw two scoreless, hitless innings.

• Steve Cishek continues to show progress in his return from hip surgery. He is now throwing two days on, one day off, from 75 feet, and running on the anti-gravity treadmill. While it seems like a longshot that he would be ready for opening day, things are moving in a positive direction.

• Tuesday is the Mariners’ first day off of the spring and it should be a quiet one as no extra work is scheduled.