How Hancock’s Success Could Affect Mariners Rotation

7-Day Rest Periods

There is such a thing as too much rest. Pitchers getting too long a break has the potential to cause injuries. It’s like when a pitcher sits between innings for too long when the offense gets hot. The pitcher will often get cold after warming up and getting hot after throwing a couple of innings. Injuries on the pitching staff are the last thing the Mariners need. Unless they plan on calling up Kade Anderson or Ryan Sloan in this situation, there aren’t a lot of options. One option could be dropping to a four-man rotation, but this brings the complication of not enough rest for players. A six-man rotation could greatly benefit this team, with six incredible pitchers that change the course of games. The decision does come with the possibility of unintended consequences. 

Keeping a 5-Man Rotation

The other logical option would be to return to a five-man rotation when Miller returns. This brings the question of what to do with Emerson Hancock. Do you send him down to Triple-A or send him to the bullpen? His fastball velocity has increased since last season, averaging 97 mph and topping at 99 mph. This is a great speed for bullpen relief, and he has a good pitch mix to go with the fastball. If you send him down to Triple-A, you lose the opportunity to take advantage of a great arm that is absolutely dealing and can positively contribute to the team’s success.

Emerson Hancock will get a couple more starts for the Mariners before Miller returns from the IL. So we will get to see how they turn out and gather more evidence to decide what the Mariners will do to give themselves the best shot at another division title. If he continues to have dominant starts, it will be hard for them to turn him away from the starting rotation. It will be very interesting to see what the front office and coaching staff will do with him by the end of the month. Hancock has proven himself after his first start, but we will see if his success continues over his next couple of starts.