Baseball

Mariners Spring Training: Cooper Criswell Takes the Mound in Game 12

by
William Caldwell
March 4, 2026

As the World Baseball Classic kicks off, the Seattle Mariners find themselves in a unique predicament with many of their players on loan to national teams. This situation paves the way for top prospects to seize unexpected opportunities, adding an intriguing twist to the team’s spring training lineup.

Among the players making headlines is right-hander Cooper Criswell. After a tumultuous journey that saw him move from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Mets, Criswell was claimed by the Mariners for cash after being designated for assignment twice. Tonight marks his first start of the spring, following two solid two-inning outings. Fans will be eager to see how far the Mariners stretch his limits in this appearance, with probable pitchers Jose A. Ferrer, Carlos Vargas, Josh Simpson, Yosver Zulueta, and Ryan Loutos lined up to follow him.

In another interesting twist, J.P. Crawford will be stepping into the designated hitter role. This adjustment allows Leo Rivas to take over at shortstop, while Cole Young shifts to second base and leads off. These strategic changes highlight the Mariners’ commitment to exploring their roster’s versatility during this critical training period.

On the opposing side, the orange dugout features a mix of familiar faces and promising prospects. All eyes will be on Robbie Ray, a former Mariner, who is taking the mound. Since his departure from Seattle, Ray has been working diligently to diversify his pitching arsenal, incorporating a knuckle curve and changeup while relying less on his slider. This evening’s matchup marks his third start of the spring, and with a shorter list of probable pitchers behind him, it seems the team is hopeful for a deep outing from Ray.

Game Information:
Game Time: 6:05 PM PT
Radio: Seattle Sports 710 AM with Rick Rizzs, Gary Hill Jr., and Shannon Drayer on the call.
TV: Mariners.TV (check for availability).

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

William Caldwell

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.