Seattle Mariners Make Big Lineup Decision For Game 2 of Series Against Chicago Cubs

Signed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal this past offseason, Solano has been used almost exclusively against left-handed pitching this season, but the M's are riding the hot hand in the wake of moving on from Rowdy Tellez, who was designated for assignment on Friday.

Solano has 67 at-bats against lefties this year and just 28 against righties, but he is hitting .286 in those chances. He's also hitting .444 (8-for-20) over the last two weeks.

In total, he's hitting .221 with a homer and six RBIs.

The Mariners are coming off a big win against the Cubs on Friday, securing a 9-4 victory to start this 10-game road trip. Seattle is 38-36 overall and just 0.5 games back of the third wild card spot at this moment. They remain 5.5 games back of the Houston Astros in the American League West.

First pitch on Saturday is scheduled for 11:20 a.m. PT as Emerson Hancock pitches against Horton. Hancock has gone 3-2 this season with a 4.48 ERA, providing stability in the wake of injuries to George Kirby, Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller. Horton, one of baseball's top prospects, is 3-1 with a 3.47 ERA.

The Cubs are 45-30 and lead the National League Central.