Gilbert on the mound: Mariners one step away from the World Series

The Seattle Mariners are one step away from reaching the World Series, a feat unprecedented for the team. Despite the proximity, pitcher Logan Gilbert maintains caution.

There’s still a long way to go. We’re nine long innings away from where we want to be, and I think everyone understands that.

Logan GilbertAfter a Game 5 victory that puts them one win away from the American League pennant, Gilbert and the Mariners prepare for Game 6 of the American League Championship Series, holding a 3-2 lead. The series winner will face the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It’s huge. It’s been a very long year. Getting to this point is incredible. But being the one with the ball, you grow up dreaming of moments like this, and you don’t know how many you’ll have in the course of your career. Some never get to this. So it’s something very important.

Logan Gilbert

Gilbert, who pitched two scoreless innings in the 15-inning victory against Detroit, will start Game 2 of the American League Championship Series. This time, the 2024 All-Star will face Toronto with five days of rest. That’s the playoffs and that’s the fun part too. But we’re also creatures of habit, so it’s good to get back to the normal routine. The Mariners manager, Dan Wilson, highlights Gilbert’s mentality as key to his success.

Logan is a guy who loves to have the ball. He’s that type who has that focus, that desire to win, and wants the ball in these situations. He’s sure to be ready for tomorrow.

Dan Wilson

Toronto, on the brink of elimination, will have rookie Trey Yesavage on the mound, who has made two of his five starts in the major league during this postseason. Yesavage set a postseason record for the Blue Jays by striking out 11 batters in 5 1/3 hitless innings against the New York Yankees in the Division Series.

We were quite patient when we had to be. I think that was an important key for us. When we were able to get pitches that we could hit, we were able to do something with them.

Dan Wilson

Yesavage, like Gilbert, acknowledges the rarity of the opportunity presented to him in Game 6.

This opportunity doesn’t come around very often. I was talking to Gausman the other day and I said: ‘How far have you gotten in the playoffs?’ He said: ‘I’ve gotten this far.’ And he’s been playing this game for a long time. So I feel very blessed to be in this situation.

Trey YesavageBlue Jays manager John Schneider trusts Yesavage despite his limited experience.

He’s pitched in many important games. He’s pitched in big regular season games, he’s pitched in big postseason games, and he’s handled himself well. We have all the confidence in the world that he’ll have the right mindset. He has to go out there and do what he does.

John Schneider

Schneider expects to have designated hitter George Springer for Sunday. Springer was hit on the right kneecap by a 95.6 mph pitch in the seventh inning on Friday and had to leave the game.

It feels much better than yesterday.

John Schneider

Springer, 36, and a four-time All-Star, is batting .256 with three home runs and five doubles this postseason. His 22 career playoff home runs tie him with Bernie Williams for fourth in baseball history. Wilson reported that right-handed pitcher Bryan Woo experienced minor discomfort after pitching two innings on Friday, his first appearance in almost a month. Woo had been out of the game due to a pectoral inflammation.

Getting him in the game was important, taking him out and having him feel comfortable. He feels good today. Obviously, a little bit of pain where you’d expect it. But then again, this is an exciting time of year, and I expect him to be ready to go out of the bullpen.

Dan Wilson