Brendan Donovan is in the leadoff spot against lefty Ryan Weathers, so why the change? We spoke to manager Dan Wilson before the game.
SEATTLE -- On Saturday night when the Cleveland Guardians threw left-hander Joey Cantillo, new Seattle Mariners trade acquisition Brendan Donovan was hitting in the No. 6 spot with Rob Refsnyder in the leadoff spot.
On Monday night with the New York Yankees in town and lefty Ryan Weathers on the mound, Donovan is hitting leadoff off and Refsnyder is hitting second.
So why the change?
"I think, you know, we're just looking at different lineup configurations with the lefty. With Cal (Raleigh) out there (Rob) Refsnydner makes a lot of sense in the two hole with his ability to hit left-handers. So, just kind of the way it's set up today for us," manager Dan Wilson said.
To Wilson's point, this might not necessarily be the plan moving forward for the Mariners. Refsnyder might be the preferred choice in the leadoff spot when Raleigh is in the lineup, but since he's getting his first off day of the season on Monday, it makes sense to put Refsnyder in a potential run-producing spot and get Donovan's on-base skills at the top.
Donovan reached base four times in Sunday's 8-0 win over Cleveland, also hitting a three-run homer that helped break the game open.
The Mariners enter play at 2-2 while the Yankees a perfect 3-0. New York swept the San Francisco Giants Thursday-Saturday and had an off day on Sunday, meaning they come in with a fully rested bullpen.
Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park. Steven Bisig-Imagn ImagesAlso in the news for the Mariners
--Starting pitcher Emerson Hancock delivered the best start of his career, going six innings in Sunday's win while striking out nine. He also joined M's Hall of Famer Felix Hernandez in team history, no small accomplishment.
--Raleigh is out to a slow start this season, going just 2-for-15 at the plate. Of course, it's too early to be worried, but what's been his issue so far? We examined earlier on Monday.
--The latest edition of the 'Refuse to Lose' podcast is out, breaking down what we've seen so far through four games. Furthermore, former M's first baseman David Segui joins the show to talk about his tenure with the Mariners and his role in Opening Night, where he delivered the ceremonial first baseball to the mound in honor of his father Diego, who passed away in the offseason. Diego Segui threw the first pitch in team history in 1977.
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