Seattle Mariners: How Long Until Ariel Miranda Is Awarded a Rotation Spot?
By Travis Koch
The Seattle Mariners were active this offseason in acquiring starting pitching. Consequently, their additions may force Ariel Miranda to be overlooked.
Despite his rapid success as a starting pitcher in 2016, the Seattle Mariners project pitcher Ariel Miranda as a reliever entering the regular season. Seattle made multiple moves to boost their starting pitching this past offseason. Thus, spring training offers a major “prove it” time period for Miranda.
A result of the trade sending Wade Miley to the Baltimore Orioles, the Mariners in return acquired 28-year-old Ariel Miranda. Miranda impacted the big league team immediately, essentially taking Miley’s place in the rotation. He notched a 5-2 record in 10 starts, pitching to a 3.88 ERA over 58 innings. Though a smaller sample, Miranda posted some impressive numbers in comparison to the other Seattle starters. The left-hander pitched to a 1.07 WHIP to lead all starting pitchers. His .209 BAA (Batting Average Against) also led the starting staff.
There was nothing to dislike about Ariel Miranda’s performances in 2016. Therefore, it’s difficult to understand why he’s being discounted entering spring training.
The Seattle Mariners went on quite the shopping spree this past offseason. While a focus on lineup depth seemed necessary, the moves made to their pitching staff did not. Seattle ranked third in the American League in team ERA and fourth in starting pitching ERA in 2016. This was with ace Felix Hernandez missing considerable time, and the same with James Paxton. The Mariners traded Taijuan Walker to the Diamondbacks in November; a replacement for Walker was needed. However, instead of adding one starting pitcher, Seattle added Drew Smyly, Yovani Gallardo and Chris Heston.
Their projected starting rotation is as follows (per mlb.com):
1. Felix Hernandez
3. James Paxton
4. Drew Smyly
5. Yovani Gallardo
It’s never a bad idea to stock up on pitching, but it’s also a waste of time to fix something that’s not broken.
The offseason is a time to think up ideal scenarios, and spring training is a time to test those ideal scenarios. Spring training will be very telling in how the rotation forms entering the regular season.
Interestingly enough, the Mariners opted to start Ariel Miranda in the spring opener. A clear indication that Miranda is at the front of management’s minds. Miranda now has two starts under his belt this spring. He has pitched a total of five innings thus far and has an ERA of 1.80.
The Seattle Mariners will see how Miranda progresses this spring. They’ve pointed out a desire for Miranda’s breaking ball to further develop, and perhaps that is the delaying factor to his ceiling as a legitimate starting pitcher.
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Nevertheless, Ariel Miranda will creep into the rotation at some point this season. He proved a lot in a short time last year and he’s looked good this spring. Look for him to take over the number five rotation spot if Yovani Gallardo struggles out of the gate. Gallardo has had a solid career, but he looks to be past his prime after struggling mightily in 2016.