Mariners Make Pitching Decision for Blue Jays Series

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Mariners Make Pitching Decision for Blue Jays Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 28, 2026 4:43 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners have settled on their starting pitcher for Friday’s series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, but they are keeping the rest of the weekend rotation under wraps.

Right-hander Emerson Hancock will take the mound at Rogers Centre on Aug. 28 as Seattle begins a three-game series with Toronto. The Mariners enter the matchup at 64-70, sitting third in the American League West and still looking to make up ground in the playoff race.

Team reporter Daniel Kramer revealed the decision on X, noting that Hancock is set for Friday while the Mariners have yet to announce their starters for Saturday and Sunday.

Emerson Hancock will start for the Mariners in tonight’s series opener against the Blue Jays.

The rest of their rotation for this weekend remains TBD.
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) August 28, 2026

The choice gives Hancock another opportunity against a Blue Jays lineup he handled impressively earlier this season. On July 5, he worked seven scoreless innings against Toronto, allowing only two hits while striking out five.

Hancock has also put together a solid season for Seattle. He is 7-7 with a 3.37 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 24 starts, striking out 125 hitters in 133⅔ innings. His most recent outing came against the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 22, when he allowed three earned runs over 5⅔ innings.

The uncertainty beyond Friday likely gives manager Dan Wilson some flexibility with his pitching staff. Seattle has been carefully managing Bryan Woo after he experienced right shoulder discomfort, while rookie Kade Anderson recently joined the rotation after making his major league debut.