Mariners Spring Training 2026: Castillo Takes the Mound in Game 8

As Spring Training gains momentum and the Mariners wrap up their first week of games, all eyes are on Luis Castillo, affectionately known as La Piedra, as he makes his 2026 debut on the mound. Castillo, who experienced a rollercoaster regular season last year, emerged as a postseason hero, and fans are eager to see how he will carry that momentum into this year’s campaign.

The Mariners’ starting lineup for tonight presents an intriguing mix, featuring MLB veterans Victor Robles in center field, Josh Naylor at first base, Miles Mastrobuoni at third, and Leo Rivas at shortstop. Among the most anticipated performances will be that of Cole Young, who takes the field at second base for the first time under the bright lights.

Following Castillo, the Mariners are expected to utilize a rotation of pitchers that includes Casey Lawrence, Carlos Vargas, José Ferrer, Tyler Cleveland, and Josh Simpson, all aiming to make an impression as the season approaches.

On the opposing side, the Diamondbacks are sending Ryne Nelson to the mound. Known for his consistency over the past three seasons, Nelson had a standout 2025 season, achieving a career-best ERA of 3.39. This will also mark his first start of the spring, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.

First pitch is scheduled for 5:10 PM PT. Fans can catch the action on Mariners.TV, Mariners.com, and for those outside the Pacific Northwest, on MLB Network. Additionally, the game will be broadcast on Seattle Sports 710AM for radio listeners.

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