Mariners option Emerson Hancock to Triple-A as Woo returns

Emerson Hancock had his ups and downs in seven starts for the Seattle Mariners and will now make way for Bryan Woo’s return to the rotation from an elbow injury.

The Seattle Mariners made a number of roster moves on Wednesday. Chief among them, was optioning pitcher Emerson Hancock to Triple-A Tacoma.

Opinion on how Hancock did in his first sustained action as part of the Mariners rotation, comes down to the old saying that perception is reality. In other words, supporters found his production just fine, while critics claim he didn’t pitch particularly effectively.

In respect of the positive take, the 24-year-old did what was expected of someone as a fifth starter and still learning how to be a Major League pitcher. Further, that his stat line was just fine if you took out his one truly horrendous outing, allowing career highs of 11 hits and eight earned runs in 3.0 innings versus the Milwaukee Brewers.

On the flip side, the negative perspective points to Hancock having just three quality starts in seven outings. Further, that his stat line is what it is — i.e. you can’t cherry pick what games are and aren’t considered — including a 5.24 ERA, 5.31 FIP and a 1.31 WHIP.

Regardless, the 2020 sixth overall draft pick will continue to work on developing his game back in Tacoma. He is still the same pitching prospect, who has the potential to eventually become a regular in the Mariners rotation as long as he can remain healthy.

Servais happy with Hancock

Manager Scott Servais spoke to the media about how Hancock performed to begin the 2024 season. As per MLB.com, Servais said:

“I thought Emerson first of all did a great job for us. Stepping in when he did, he had some really good outings. Like I told him, he will pitch again for us this year. He definitely will make starts for us. It’s hard to go through a full season keeping everybody healthy. So when he goes down, he needs to be in a good frame of mind and be ready to roll when the opportunity comes again.”

In Hancock’s place will be the returning Bryan Woo, who gets his first start of the regular season on Friday night, at home to the surprisingly competitive Oakland Athletics. He missed the beginning of the 2024 campaign due to right elbow inflammation.

Woo returns after looking good during three rehab starts in Triple-A, including a 0.00 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 11.1 combined innings. Last season saw his first action in the Majors, as he went 4-5 in 18 starts, in the process producing a 4.21 ERA, 4.36 FIP and 1.209 WHIP.

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Mariners executive vice president and general manager Justin Hollander confirmed other roster moves, which also involved pitchers. These included Kirby Snead being selected from Triple-A Tacoma, Tayler Saucedo being placed on the 15-day Injured List with right knee hyper-extension, and Matt Brash being transferred to the 60-day Injured List with right elbow inflammation.

The move involving Brash is particularly concerning, as it alludes to his injury still causing issues. In any event, he now cannot return until towards the end of May at the earliest, with his transfer being backdated to his initial Injured List placement.

How has Hancock’s stint in the rotation impacted your opinion of his ability to be a long-term member of the starting five for the Mariners? Also, where is your confidence level at, for the return of Woo? Let us know in the comments section below.