KANSAS CITY – The Mariners have decided to do a flip-flop as they continue to evaluate the recently implemented piggyback approach within their starting rotation.
Manager Dan Wilson said Sunday that Luis Castillo will draw the start on Monday in Sacramento, as the Mariners open a series against the A’s. Bryce Miller will work behind Castillo in the piggyback role.
On May 19 against the White Sox, the Mariners started Miller and had Castillo follow him in a 2-1 loss.
“Luis will start the piggyback [on Monday],” Wilson said. “Last time we went the other way, and this time we’re going to switch it around. I think that’s the best way to do it, the most equitable way to do it.”
Against the White Sox, Miller worked 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit while striking out seven. Castillo worked the seventh and eighth without allowing any runs, but ran into trouble in the ninth as he struggled with his control and Chicago rallied for two runs. Castillo wound up going 2 1/3 innings and was charged with two earned runs and the eventual loss. He allowed one hit and two walks while also hitting a batter.