Bryce Miller returns to the Seattle Mariners’ starting rotation this weekend after recovering from an elbow inflammation that placed him on the injured list. This move comes ahead of the Mariners’ series finale on Thursday night against the Washington Nationals, where Seattle also made adjustments to their batting order.
Bryce Miller Set for Start After Brief Injury Absence
Manager Dan Wilson confirmed that Miller will take the mound Saturday for his first start since being sidelined with elbow inflammation. According to Mariners insider Shannon Drayer, Miller’s absence was brief enough that he did not require a rehabilitation assignment. His last appearance came on May 11 against the Minnesota Twins. In eight starts so far this season, Miller holds a 2-4 record with a 5.22 ERA and 1.54 WHIP over 39 2/3 innings. The right-handed pitcher’s return aims to strengthen the Mariners’ rotation ahead of a critical stretch.
Lineup Changes Highlight Matchup Against Nationals
Seattle’s lineup for the series finale features Jorge Polanco starting as designated hitter against Nationals lefty Mackenzie Gore, who leads Major League Baseball with 93 strikeouts. Polanco, a switch-hitter, will bat seventh, marking a strategic decision as he faces one of the league’s top strikeout pitchers. Polanco had been restricted to hitting only from the left side for more than a month because of a side injury; he resumed right-handed hitting on May 6 but had not started against a left-handed pitcher since then. Polanco’s 2024 stats include going 3 for 12 with a double and a walk from the right side against lefties.
Mitch Garver, who usually faces left-handed pitchers, will receive a rare night off against Gore. Garver has a .226 average and a .349 on-base percentage in 63 plate appearances versus southpaws this season. Meanwhile, Dylan Moore, the 2024 American League utility Gold Glove winner, was promoted to the fifth spot in the batting order and will play second base. Moore has five home runs against left-handed pitchers this season, tying him for sixth in MLB among players facing southpaws.
Broadcast Details and Next Steps for the Mariners
The Mariners’ series finale against the Nationals is scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. Pacific Time, with radio coverage starting at 5:30 p.m. on 710 AM Seattle Sports and the Seattle Sports app. The game represents an important opportunity for Seattle to gain momentum with Miller rejoining the rotation, while lineup shifts test the team’s adaptability against one of the league’s premier strikeout pitchers.