The Rainiers have sputtered a bit in the current Salt Lake series, dropping three of the first four games, so maybe it’s a perfect time to bring in a new outfield. Like, an entire new outfield.
Yesterday the Mariners did the inevitable, optioning struggling rookie outfielder Jarred Kelenic back to Tacoma. Still a top prospect – let’s not forget he’s only 21 years old – Kelenic will get his confidence back hitting in the Triple-A West. This league may have a new name, but it is still very much an offense-oriented league, and Kelenic will get things going again here. Look for him to join the club tonight.
Outfielders Eric Filia and Luis Liberato are set to rejoin the club, likely on Thursday. Both were away from the team for the last two weeks while playing for their home nations in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Florida. Filia helped Team USA clinch a spot in the Tokyo Games, while Liberato starred for the Dominican team which earned a final shot to qualify at a tournament in Mexico later this month.
Both Filia and Liberato are here in Tacoma now, but they need to go through the Covid intake process before rejoining the team. Thursday is the target date.
The word is out on twitter, so let’s send a big congratulations to outfielder Dillon Thomas, who has received his first major league call-up after ten years (eleven if you count the virused-out 2020 season) in the minor leagues. He was really swinging the bat well here in Tacoma. Get some hits up there, Dillon!
RAINIERS DAILY
YESTERDAY: Salt Lake’s Matt Thaiss hit two homers and a triple, driving in five runs, as the Bees beat the Rainiers on Monday night, 9-2. Tacoma was held to seven hits, with two each by Eric Campbell and Jack Reinheimer. Jantzen Witte‘s two-run homer in the seventh inning netted the Rainiers lone runs.
TODAY: Salt Lake (12-16) at Tacoma (14-14), 6:05 PT.
OPPONENT AFFILIATION: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
OPPOSING MANAGER: Lou Marson.
SEASON SERIES: Salt Lake leads, 7-3.
PITCHERS: LHP Thomas Pannone (2-2, 6.92) at LHP David Huff (0-0, 2.57)
ROSTER MOVES: Yesterday the Mariners activated Shed Long from the injured list, and Dylan Moore began his rehabilitation assignment with Tacoma… Jarred Kelenic was optioned to Tacoma, and pitcher Bernie Martinez was transferred to Everett.
HOT HITTERS: Cal Raleigh has a 17-game hitting streak, going 30-for-73 during the streak… Raleigh has reached base safely in 21 straight games… Jack Reinheimer has an eight game hitting streak… the Rainiers have homered in each of the last 15 games, clubbing 33 home runs during that time with 14 different players going deep.
OPPONENT NEWS: Salt Lake is 7-3 against Tacoma and 5-13 against the three other teams they have played… outfielder Jo Adell leads all of minor league baseball with 15 home runs… Scott Schebler has gone 9-for-18 over the first four games of the series… reliever Tim Peterson was born in Tacoma and graduated from Emerald Ridge High School in Puyallup.
BROADCAST: All games will be broadcast free on a live audio stream which is available right here.
Unfortunately, there is no traditional terrestrial radio station carrying the games at this time.
TRIPLE-A WEST SCOREBOARD: Follow all league games in real-time with links to Gameday screens right here.
STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
- The Mariners sent down hyped outfield prospect Jarred Kelenic yesterday.
- Shannon Drayer has some good insight on the Kelenic situation.
- Matt Calkins has a column on Kelenic.
- USS Mariner has an interesting post on Kelenic’s struggle and tries (and fails) to determine why it happened.
Listen to every home and away Tacoma Rainiers game for free HERE. You can also download the MiLB First Pitch app for a free and easy one-click listening experience at home, work or in your car. Watch an HD video broadcast of every game with an MiLB.TV subscription. Use code: RAINIERS to save $10 on an annual subscription.
About the Tacoma Rainiers
The Tacoma Rainiers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The Rainiers are a member of the Triple-A West. Tacoma has been a Mariners affiliate since establishing the Rainiers moniker in 1995.
Find more information and purchase single game tickets here. Questions regarding season tickets can be directed to Tickets@WeRTacoma.com.
The most up-to-date news and notes about the Tacoma Rainiers and Cheney Stadium can be found at WeRTacoma.com, or by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand), Instagram (@tacomarainiers) and liking the team on Facebook.
We R Tacoma Team Store
The We R Tacoma Team Store is currently open Monday-Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (non-game days) or until the end of the game on home game days. Team Store purchases can also be made online 24/7. Grab your Rainiers gear, your Defiance ‘fit, and follow the team store on Instagram and Twitter.
April 1, 2023