Seattle Mariners Notebook: Latest on Polanco, Cole Young and more

PEORIA, Ariz. – The Seattle Mariners are taking on the Diamondbacks in their first official “home” game this spring on Sunday afternoon before hitting the road for games in Maryvale and Glendale.

Drayer: Mariners camp is buzzing about an Andrés Muñoz pitch

And yes, we have a lineup.

• Lineup!

J.P. Crawford, SS
Julio Rodríguez, CF
Cal Raleigh, DH
Randy Arozarena, LF
Mitch Garver, C
Dominic Canzone, RF
Tyler Locklear, 1B
Ryan Bliss, 2B
Ben Williamson, 3B

Emerson Hancock, P

Emerson Hancock gets the start, with the Mariners’ rotation regulars inserted into games starting Monday.

Of particular interest in this game for me will be getting a first look in game action of Ben Williamson at third base. While likely not currently in competition for a spot, many believe the 24-year-old second-round MLB Draft (2023) could provide elite defense at the position if pressed into action at any time this season. The bat is a different story as he is not by any means a power guy, but he has shown good on-base ability in his short time in the minors. An interesting name to keep an eye on.

Three under-the-radar Mariners prospects to watch this spring

We will also get our first look at right-handed reliever Shintaro Fujinami, who is in camp as a non-roster invitee. There is a lot of curiosity surrounding Fujinami, who was signed by the A’s in 2023 but struggled with injuries and command issues his first two MLB seasons. He has had some nice stretches and the velocity and stuff is certainly enticing.

Others scheduled to pitch Sunday include Luis F.Castillo (yes, the Mariners have two Luis Castillos), Eduard Bazardo, Josh Fleming, and the 6-foot-8 Dauris Valdez (the biggest pitcher I have seen since Randy Johnson).

Sixty seconds around Mariners camp on a Sunday morning before drills. pic.twitter.com/HlzACqBJSS

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) February 23, 2025

Notes

• The outfield that dyes together… Taking their cues from Randy Arozarena, who showed up in camp blond, Julio now has blonde tips and Victor Robles has gone copperish.

• Infield prospect Cole Young has been slowed a bit in camp lately with a sore throwing arm. It is not expected to keep him out of games for long.

• Jorge Polanco, who underwent knee surgery this winter, is participating in some but not all drills. Manager Dan Wilson is not worried about his new third baseman’s timetable.

“Polo continues to get a lot stronger, I think his progression is going well,” Wilson said. “There hasn’t been any setbacks at this point. Polo is an incredibly hard worker and his work ethic is outstanding. I’m not worried at all he won’t be ready when we go north to play third base and he will get the ABs he needs. I feel more comfortable about him being a vet and understanding what he needs.”

• We will start to see the regular starters Monday with Logan Gilbert getting the start against the Brewers in Maryvale, followed by Luis Castillo on Tuesday against the Dodgers in Glendale. Speaking of the regulars, click here for video of the skipper getting a look at George Kirby from the batter’s box.

More from Seattle Mariners spring training

• The offseason yoga pact of young Mariners 1B and 72-year-old IF coach
• Mariners Notebook: A bet lost, new face in camp and more
• A closer look at Mariners’ top pitching prospect Logan Evans
• Seattle Mariners add slugging 1B Rowdy Tellez on minors deal
• Seattle Mariners Spring Training: Shannon Drayer’s first observations

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