After really struggling both offensively and defensively, Dominic Canzone is back in the M's lineup as they look to clinch a trip to the World Series on Sunday.
TORONTO -- Despite hitting just .087 in the playoffs, and despite a difficult day defensively in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, Seattle Mariners outfielder Dominic Canzone is back in the lineup for Game 6 as the M's look to clinch their first-ever trip to the World Series on Sunday.
It's the third straight game that Canzone has started over Victor Robles, who was the Opening Day right fielder, but missed most of the season with a serious left shoulder injury.
Canzone vs. Robles
While Canzone is hitting .087 in the playoffs, Robles isn't lighting it up, either. He's hitting just .115.
Robles is a much better runner though, and a better defender, and he also possesses a better throwing arm.
So why Canzone? Perhaps it's as simple as recency bias. Canzone hit .300 this season (243 at-bats), and he also features excellent power when he gets a hold of it.
For a team that relies on the home run, Canzone is a much better home run threat.
The options with Robles
Perhaps the Mariners are also thinking next-level about late-game situations. With Leo Rivas now starting at second base, the Mariners aren't left with any real burners on the bench for a pinch-running situation. By keeping Robles on the bench at the start, they give themselves that option late.
There's also the defensive replacement aspect. Robles has the chance to enter the game late and sure things up for manager Dan Wilson.
What Wilson is saying
Wilson was asked about the Robles vs. Canzone decision in pregame on Sunday, and here's what he said:
We have a luxury of being able to match up a little bit. (Trey) Yesavage does... with the split, can be tough on lefties. We think the way that Dom has swung the bat, that he's got a good opportunity against Yesavage. But yes, obviously, late in the game, you don't know what's going to happen. Vic, with his speed, his ability, on the bases, can also be a guy that can come in and run for you, but also can play out right field on defense late in the game as well. So, that's what we're seeing at the moment. And that's how we've got the lineup set today.
News and notes
First pitch is set for 5:03 p.m. PT and Logan Gilbert will pitch against Yesavage. It's a rematch of Game 2 of the series, which was won by Seattle.
The M's are using the same lineup that they used in the Game 5 win.
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