The assumption has been that Luis Castillo is the Mariners pitcher that ultimately belongs in the bullpen, but is there actually something else at play?
Update, Saturday AM: All, it has been brought to my attention that I can't properly count. Hancock's career-high in innings is 155, meaning he likely has more in the tank to be a starter all season if the Mariners want him to.
A regrettable mistake on my part and I'm happy to correct that here.
On Friday night, the Seattle Mariners will host the Boston Red Sox at T-Mobile Park for the first of three weekend series.
Between the World Cup games in Seattle and Father's Day weekend, it's an interesting weekend in the city, and these are games that the Mariners need to win if they want to continue to build momentum.
Despite their rapidly growing injury situation, the M's are 39-37 and in first place in the American League West, while the Red Sox are 29-43 and have the fewest wins in the American League.
Friday night will see the return of the M's "piggyback" plan as Luis Castillo will enter the game in relief of starter Bryce Miller. From now until the All-Star break, each Mariners pitcher will take part in a piggyback game in an effort to keep all pitchers stretched out and all pitchers a little fresher into the month of July.
I was asked about this on a recent episode of the 'Mitch Unfiltered' podcast what the ultimate plan for the M's pitching staff is - and then I discussed it on 'Refuse to Lose Territory' as well.
"Are the Mariners just trying to kick this pitching situation until the trade deadline so they can ultimately move a pitcher?"
I don't really think that's the case, but I do wonder if there's an interesting new possibility we haven't really thought of at play.
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock (26) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field. Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesAs I said on 'Refuse to Lose Territory:'
"But let's not forget that Emerson Hancock's career innings total, his highest innings total, is 130 or something like that (134.2) last year.
Is he going to get to a point where the Mariners say, 'your innings are high, you're the guy going to the bullpen?' And it wouldn't be a punishment. It would be a way to kind of keep him fresh or keep him from breaking down.
But I think the longer you go, that's in play also.
But no, I don't think the Mariners are kicking this just solely so they can trade someone. I don't think they want to trade someone."
The assumption has been that Luis Castillo is the guy that would go to the bullpen because of his performance, but as Hancock approaches his career innings limit, might the Mariners see him as a better bullpen play? Again, not as a punishment, but as a way to help keep him healthy - and help the team at the same time.
Hancock has thrown 79.2 innings so far. Presuming he can throw at least 150-160 innings this year, he should have problem getting into August as a starter, but if the M's don't want to have him throw a full season's workload, could he be in play as a reliever? He did it last year, after all, and his newfound pitch mix could make him a solid weapon as the team chases a second consecutive playoff berth.
Just something to think about.
Of note
You can listen to the full 'Refuse to Lose Territory' podcast here, or you can watch on YouTube below:
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