Mariners searching for a boost after being swept in Los Angeles

1) Dunn struggles with command in short outing

Justin Dunn has given the Mariners plenty of reason for optimism since making his Major League debut. For example, since 2019 he has limited opponents to the fourth-lowest batting average among AL pitchers. (Minimum 75.0 innings.)

Although still early in his career, the signs and potential are there that Dunn will become a long-term member of the Seattle rotation. He was also coming off a performance where he had allowed just three hits and one earned run in 5.1 innings, also striking out six in a win for the Mariners.

Unfortunately for everyone concerned, the 25-year-old’s start on Wednesday proved to be a step backward in this process. (Although we appreciate adversity and how you respond is a key component of any Major League career.)

Dunn only gave up three hits and two earned runs on the night, but at just 3.1 innings, it represented his shortest start of the season. After a quick 1-2-3 first inning, things began to unravel.

What followed was a clear issue with the former New York Met’s command. This was best illustrated by allowing three walks, while just 40 of his 72 pitches went for strikes.

Dunn was just about getting by, as he held the Dodgers scoreless through the first three innings. However, it was tough to envision this remaining the case if he couldn’t get out of his funk.

Disaster finally struck in the fourth inning, when the 2016 first round draft pick issued two of his three walks. After getting one out, he gave up a two-run single to open the scoring for the Dodgers.

Servais decided he didn’t want to risk Dunn any longer, despite how much he had been using/relying on his bullpen. Combined with the deficit only being two runs at the time, the Mariners’ manager must have truly believed keeping his starter in would be to their detriment.

Servais alluded to this afterwards, when speaking to the media. He did praise Dunn’s fastball and breaking ball in the early going, but added that he felt things were beginning to get away from him.

Interestingly, Dunn’s comments after the game indicated he wasn’t entirely disappointed with his outing. Speaking to the media, he said:

“Unfortunately tonight, I wasn’t really able to land it. Credit to [the Dodgers], they did a good job of really spitting on some that were down in the zone over competitive pitches, especially in putaway counts.

“I felt like my best outings, I’ve thrown the ball pretty well. Even tonight, I don’t think I threw the ball terrible. Fastball command kind of got a little bit away from me there in the fourth. Unfortunately, that’s what happened, but definitely a lot of growth.”

In one respect, it is good to be able to see the positives and not be too downhearted. At the same time though, he will hopefully appreciate he cannot afford to have too many repeat performances as the season progresses.

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