Mariners shake up lineup for series opener against Guardians

The Seattle Mariners are shaking up their lineup for their series-opening matchup against the Cleveland Guardians and left-hander Joey Cantillo on Friday at Progressive Field.

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For the first time this season, left fielder Randy Arozarena will be Seattle’s leadoff hitter. Center fielder Julio Rodríguez is moving up from his typical spot as the No. 3 hitter to bat second, with catcher Cal Raleigh sliding down one place to hit third.

Dominic Canzone is also getting the start against a southpaw for just the fourth time this season and will hit cleanup as the designated hitter. With Canzone batting fourth, first baseman Josh Naylor slides down to fifth, the lowest he’s hit in the lineup all year.

Third baseman J.P. Crawford is batting sixth, followed by right fielder Rob Refsnyder, second baseman Cole Young and shortstop Colt Emerson.

Tonight’s squad in Cleveland. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/blbEADlGHV

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 26, 2026

Seattle’s new-look lineup is trying to break out of a lengthy collective slump. The M’s have scored three or fewer runs in their past 11 games, the third-longest streak in franchise history.

The Guardians, who are without injured star third baseman José Ramírez, will be throwing a unique lineup at Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo. All nine in the order are lefty bats or switch-hitters.

Cleveland also has a player making his major league debut with Cooper Ingle, the third-ranked prospect in its organization, batting fifth as the designated hitter.

The Hawaiian Punchout takes the hill tonight.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/vALyHpo9GT

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) June 26, 2026

Friday’s series opener begins at 4:10 p.m. Radio coverage starts on Seattle Sports 710 AM and the Seattle Sports app with the pregame show at 3 p.m.

Seattle Mariners news and more

• While AL West-leading Mariners have struggled, Astros have woken up
• The value to Seattle Mariners keeping Luis Castillo in rotation
• Tim Kurkjian details how the WBC didn’t help Cal Raleigh

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