8/28/21: Open Game Thread + Roster Moves

Get em….. THIS time. And also six roster moves.

Back to back disappointing losses haven’t waylaid the Seattle Mariners’ previously slim playoff hopes entirely, but it’s hard to feel anything short of wholly dispirited, wind out of the sails et al. Today they strive to get back on the seafaring horse (seahorse? Hippocampus? Dolphin with a bridle and some taped on ears?) and wrench this winnable series towards at least a teeth-grinding split. There’s nothing satisfying about grinding back wins to avoid losing a series to a bad team, but that doesn’t make it any less important, as they will likely continue to see opportunities to gain ground on Oakland and Boston. They’ll do so with Tyler Anderson on the hill today, but without a few members of their usual roster, as Seattle placed two players on the 10-day IL.

OF Jake Fraley hits the IL once again, this time with right shoulder inflammation, perhaps tied to his valiant but tragically unsuccessful home run robbery effort in extra innings last night. LHP Anthony Misiewicz has also been placed on the 10-day IL with a left forearm strain that the M’s had hoped would abate quickly but clearly has not. In their place, RHPs Wyatt Mills and Jimmy Yacabonis have been recalled, leaving Seattle with a short bench but some necessary bullpen depth after last night’s lengthy loss. To create a 40-man roster spot for Yacabonis, Seattle essentially closed the book on 2B/OF Shed Long Jr. for 2021, transferring him to the 60-day IL. Theoretically, Long Jr. could be back for the final game or two of the 2021 season, but it seems doubtful. Lastly, RHP Keynan Middleton cleared waivers and was successfully outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma, so he will remain in the Mariners organization for now.

Lineups (now with 150% catcher)!

Mariners PR

Game Time: 1:10 PM PST
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