Mariners Set Season Opening Starting Rotation
Brandon Maurer, a 22-year-old right hander, made the jump from AA ball with a strong spring.
Maurer joins veterans Felix Hernandez, Hisashi Iwakuma, Joe Saunders and Blake Beavan in the starting rotation. Maurer will pitch in the fifth spot.
The team opted to send Erasmo Ramirez and Jeremy Bonderman to the AAA Tacoma Rainiers.
The Mariners open up the season Monday in Oakland.
The 6-foot-5 Maurer earned his spot with an outstanding spring, giving up just two runs in 20 innings of Cactus League play for a 0.90 ERA with 22 strikeouts and eight walks.
Maurer is the first Mariners pitcher to jump from AA to a starting spot with the Major League club since Mike Hampton and John Cummings both made the leap in 1993.
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