The Mariners are looking to even up their three-game set at one game apiece on Saturday afternoon.
TORONTO -- Speaking before Game 2 of a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson provided updates on several players.
The Mariners lost Game 1 on Friday night by a score of 8-1. As a result, they enter play on Saturday at 64-71 and four games back in both the American League West and the battle for the American League wild card.
Here's what you need to know:
Kade Anderson
The M's top-ranked prospect made his major league debut last Saturday against the Chicago Cubs and will make his second career start on Saturday against Toronto.
Wilson indicated that he'll be limited to 75-80 pitches again in this game - a pitch count he's likely to stay at through the rest of the year.
Anderson surrendered three earned runs over 5.2 innings in that game against the Cubs, which turned into a 5-4 win.
The Blue Jays have stacked their lineup with right-handed hitters, and Wilson says that Anderson's changeup will play a vital role against them. The Cubs have the best offense in baseball against left-handers, so no matter how good the Jays hitters are, they won't be that accomplished across the board.
Brendan Donovan
Donovan, who went on the 7-day concussion injured list before that Saturday contest, was eligible to come off the IL before Saturday's game, but he stayed on it.
Wilson didn't offer a definitive timeline for Donovan's return, but he is with the team and had a "great day" on Friday. His activation appears imminent, even though no exact day was given.
Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez (44) and third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) in the dugout prior to a game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Erik Williams-Imagn ImagesJP Crawford
After starting at third base on Friday with Brock Rodden at shortstop, Crawford is back at shortstop with Rodden at third.
Why? Because the team is preparing for Donovan's return. When he does return, Crawford will see most action at short.
It's worth noting that both Crawford and Rodden had errors on Friday, so perhaps the change will make them both better on Saturday.
Emerson Hancock
After experiencing some groin discomfort as a result of a play in the first inning on Friday, Hancock is said to be moving around well. However, the team will know much more in the next day or two, and they hope to have an answer on him before he throws his mid-start bullpen.
Nick Davila is with the Mariners as part of the team's taxi squad. He's a precaution for Hancock.
Of note
The Mariners will play the Jays at 12:47 p.m. PT on Saturday, 40 minutes past the original start time. The Blue Jays are inducting former player, manager and broadcaster Buck Martinez into the team's Hall of Excellence before the game.
