Mariners: 5 takeaways from 8-7 win versus the Guardians

Bryce Miller looks promising in spring training debut, the Seattle Mariners prospect who’s lighting it up in Peoria and other observations.

There’s been plenty of high-scoring action so far for fans to enjoy (or stress over) during the opening week of Cactus League action. Through the first six games, the Seattle Mariners have scored a combined 44 runs while allowing 45 by their opponents.

The M’s continued in a similar vein on Thursday versus the Cleveland Guardians at the Peoria Sports Complex, as they squeaked out an 8-7 win and improved to 3-3-1. Here’s some of our observations from the game and including an intriguing quote of the day:

1) Healthy Bryce Miller looks good in spring training debut

Bryce Miller really did endure a rough 2025 with poor productivity combined with an ongoing right elbow issue, but what people remember most is his tremendous play during the postseason, particularly his stunning pitching masterclass in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Blue Jays. He seems to now have his elbow inflammation under control and the Mariners were looking forward to his spring training debut on Thursday afternoon.

Miller did just fine as he allowed three hits, but also produced three whiffs and one strikeout in 1.1 scoreless innings, which saw him mix things up with six different pitches on his 21 total throws. This included averaging 97.2 mph on six four-seam fastballs and 97.5 mph on two sinkers, with him adding after the game that his elbow and his body in general feels good.

2) Team USA will be happy with Cal Raleigh

After an 0-for-6 start to spring training, Cal Raleigh finally got going against the White Sox with a home run and a single as well as a walk, to complete a fine day at the office. He followed this up with two doubles versus the Guardians, while also adding a sacrifice fly RBI and a run of his own.

As if this wasn’t enough, Raleigh reminded everyone that he remains one of the best behind the plate with a throw to third base to get Angel Martinez out on an attempted stolen base during the top of the first. It will be a shame to see him leave for the WBC with Team USA, just as he’s beginning to find his zone.

3) Mariners superstar a contender for AL MVP in 2026

Julio Rodríguez has been on fire ever since spring training started, with his burning desire to succeed only intensified following last season’s gut-wrenching loss in Game 7 of the ALCS versus the Blue Jays. Through three Cactus League games he had produced four hits and a 1.482 OPS and there was more of the same against the Guardians.

Rodríguez came out firing with a RBI double in his first at-bat and then a run of his own on a Randy Arozarena double, to help the Mariners to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first. The three-time All-Star selection also had two walks in his four plate appearances and saw his OPS jump to 1.556 as he also prepares to leave for the WBC this coming Saturday, to hook up with Team Dominican Republic.

4) Mariners top prospect didn’t get the memo

Michael Arroyo is not projected to be on the opening day roster, and yet he clearly hasn’t got the memo (or is blatantly just ignoring it). He hit a home run in his first at-bat of spring training last Friday in the Cactus League opener and entered the Guardians game with two RBI and three walks to contribute towards a 1.825 OPS.

The Mariners wanted to give their number five prospect as many at-bats as possible early on in spring training before he heads to the WBC with Team Columbia, and he sure as heck is making the most of it. Thursday’s game saw more of the same as he hit a double, forced a walk and scored two runs to continue giving the organization food for thought.

5) Other notes

• Colt Emerson tripled to center in the bottom of the sixth inning for his first extra-base hit of Cactus League play and finished the day with two hits in three at-bats.
• The Mariners produced nine extra-base hits in Thursday’s game including seven doubles, one triple and one home run – a blast by Brock Rodden in the bottom of the eighth to right center field.
• Facing runners on first and third with one out in the top of the ninth, the M’s ended the Guardians threat with a tremendous game-ending double play which featured Rodden in both outs.

• The Mariners play their first evening game of the Cactus League schedule when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, with Luis Castillo set for his first start of spring training.

Quote of the day

Giving due credit to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times for this, the Mariners pitching plan for Miller on Thursday was for him to focus on throwing all of his off-speed pitches for strikes, no matter the circumstances. Speaking about it afterwards, the righty said:

“It was kind of weird getting to finish counts and still trying to throw it to the middle. At times last year, I got to where I didn’t trust any of my off-speed stuff with two or three balls in a count. And being able to pick any pitch and be in (the) zone with it, in any count is gonna be big for me.”

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rogers Photography & Mariners Media

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