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Good morning! The Mariners defeated the Cincinnati Reds yesterday 6-3 with another solid George Kirby outing. His final line after 4 2/3 innings pitched included two runs, seven hits, one walk, and four strikeouts. There is no game today as the players will get a break from live game action.
With Team USA’s win in the World Baseball Classic last night, who do you hope their opponent will be in the finals?
In Mariners news…
- The No Fly Zone was in full effect in Miami last night as Julio made an incredible catch at the wall for the Dominican Republic, and robbed Aaron Judge and Team USA of a home run in the fourth inning of the WBC.
- Third baseman Brendan Donovan continued his impressive Spring Training performance today with a four-hit game, bringing him to 14 hits in 31 at-bats so far.
- As Mariners players start to return from the WBC, their focus is finally turned towards the MLB regular season, writes Tim Booth at The Seattle Times.
- Jerry Dipoto joined Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob this past weekend to discuss what the team saw in Eduard Bazardo last season and the tweaks they made to unlock his potential.
- As Bryce Miller works back from his left oblique inflammation, the battle for the Mariners’ fifth starter spot is heating up between multiple potential candidates.
In the World Baseball Classic…
- Team USA is headed to the finals after defeating the Dominican Republic 2-1 with a very questionable game-ending strike call. Impressive pitching by Paul Skenes, and homers from Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony held the dominant Dominican Republic team to just one run.
- Italy and Venezuela face off today at 5 PM for a spot in the finals against the U.S.
Around the league…
- Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez left the team’s game early with left shoulder inflammation and is currently considered day-to-day.
- Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki is battling right knee discomfort after he was forced to exit in the first inning of Team Japan’s WBC matchup against Venezuela on Saturday.
- New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor made his Spring Training debut yesterday after recovering from a left hamate bone injury, and will now likely be ready for Opening Day.
- San Francisco Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong has suffered a UCL sprain and Grade 2 forearm sprain. He will weigh treatment options in the coming days but could potentially miss significant time this season.
- In other Giants news, the team lost a combined perfect game and then a no-hitter with one out to go in the ninth inning of their Spring Training matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers.
- St. Louis Cardinals RHP Hunter Dobbins will begin the season on the injured list as he continues rehabbing from an ACL tear he suffered last July.
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SB Nation’s
CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory! Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times ET)
- Sun 4-7pm: Chris Dobbertean
- Mon-Wed 7-10am: Mike Rutherford
- Mon-Wed 2-5pm: Chris Dobbertean
- Thursday 6-9am: Chris Dobbertean and Mike Rutherford
