Seattle Mariners: 6 questions ahead of opening day

3. Which Marco Gonzales will we see on opening day?

Marco Gonzales is undoubtedly and deservedly the M’s staff ace. He’s earned this right over the previous three seasons as a regular starter, which included career bests last year for ERA and WHIP, along with strikeouts and walks per nine innings.

However, there may well be slight trepidation heading into the 2021 regular season, just as a result of uneven performances by Gonzales during spring training. You can effectively split his Cactus League play into two halves.

During his first two starts, the 29-year-old did not allow a run of any kind in six innings of action. It was a different story in his last couple of appearances, as he gave up five runs on nine hits during both times on the mound.

Pitchers often try out different things during spring training, while not playing with the same intensity; in addition, everyone is entitled to a bad day or two at the ‘office’. Regardless, it will be interesting to see how Gonazles responds on opening day this coming Thursday, versus the Giants.

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