Mariners Adjust Their Lineup in Hopes of Reversing the Series
The Mariners’ manager, Dan Wilson, made significant changes to the team’s lineup, seeking a change of course in the American League Championship Series against the Blue Jays. Julio Rodríguez, who recently batted third in the order, was placed as the leadoff hitter. Josh Naylor moved up to the fourth spot in the lineup, while Randy Arozarena, who had been the leadoff hitter in the first four games of the series and has a record of 2 for 15 with one RBI, moved to the fifth spot.Dominic Canzone will be in right field, while Victor Robles will not play for the second consecutive game. Second baseman Leo Rivas will bat ninth for the second time in a row, after having 90 at-bats during the regular season. Rivas hit a run-scoring single in the seventh inning of Seattle’s decisive Divisional Series game.Sometimes, when you make a change like that, it can generate different results. We hope this is an opportunity to revitalize the offense.
Dan Wilson
The Mariners won games 1 and 2, but Toronto took games 3 and 4, tying the best-of-seven series. The visiting team has won all the games. These changes in the lineup appear to be an attempt to place the Mariners’ current best hitters at the top of the order and perhaps give them an extra at-bat at the end of the game. These modifications come at a time when Toronto’s powerful lineup has exploded, with the Blue Jays accumulating seven home runs and 21 runs in games 3 and 4. Naylor has been the Mariners’ best hitter in this series, with six hits in 14 at-bats (.429), including two home runs.The quality of the at-bats we’ve gotten from Leo has been exceptional on both sides of the plate. He’s hit some big home runs for us since he returned in September. A big pinch hit from the right side in Game 5. He’s really hit well. He’s just had good at-bats, found ways to get on base.
Dan Wilson
Rodríguez has four hits and four walks against the Jays, with an on-base percentage of .471. He batted in the leadoff position in 15 games during the regular season, but struggled in that small sample, batting .194 with an on-base percentage of .265.
All but one of Seattle’s six runs in Games 3 and 4 were the product of home runs.The Mariners unveiled their revamped lineup to the media minutes after manager Dan Wilson gave his briefing. In that session, Wilson did not inform reporters about the changes nor explain his reasoning behind the decisions.To have a more consistent offense, I think you need to connect home runs, as well as score in the traditional way. And that’s when we’ll be at our best. So being able to do both is where we need to get.
Dan Wilson
