Harry Ford will start behind the plate for the first time in his big league career against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday
SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners' playoff future is secured with two games remaining in the regular season.
Entering Game 2 of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday at T-Mobile Park, the Mariners were locked in as the No. 2 seed in the American League and will have a bye through the wild card round of the postseason.
With games still left to play, Seattle will use the final two days of the regular season to get key players rest while also looking to build momentum going into the break.
As a result, one of the most promising prospects in the Mariners organization will make his first major league start.
Harry Ford will start at catcher and bat ninth for Seattle in Game 2 against Los Angeles at 6:40 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Park.
Ford (No. 39 MLB Pipeline top 100, No. 74 Baseball America top 100) had his contract selected by the Mariners when MLB rosters expanded Sept. 1.
The 2021 first-round pick has played in a limited capacity since. He's been the third-string/backup catcher and has received only two at-bats (four plate appearances). The 22-year-old backstop has played five innings across three games behind the plate.
Ford hit an RBI sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 12th inning in Seattle's 7-6 win against the Los Angeles Angels on Sept. 11. It's his only major league RBI this year.
"Harry behind the plate tonight, getting his first big-league start," Mariners manager Dan Wilson said in a pregame interview. "That's an exciting thing for him. It's been great having Harry. Excited to see him get out there tonight and hopefully get his first hit."
Before his contract was selected, Ford put together a stellar year with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
In his first season in Triple-A, Ford scored 68 runs in 97 games and hit 18 doubles and 16 home runs with 74 RBIs. He slashed .283/.408/.460 with an .868 OPS.
Cal Raleigh is set to be the designated hitter Saturday, which could pave the way for Ford to catch the entire game.
Ford will get a chance to call pitches for Seattle's Opening Day starting pitcher and 2024 All-Star, Logan Gilbert.
"It's not an easy role when you come to the big leagues for the first time and there's not a lot of consistent playing time," Wilson said. "But one thing about Harry — this year, especially in spring training, took a huge step forward in his development. (He) just continued that all throughout the Triple-A season this year. Coming up her, (he's) just done a really great job of soaking it up and trying to learn from (Mitch Garver) and Cal and anyone else around that can teach him everything. That's the great thing about Harry. He's very curious and always willing to learn."
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