Mitch Garver Seals Backup Role with Homer in Mariners’ Preseason Victory

The Mariners wrapped up their preseason on a high note, edging the White Sox 2-1 in a game that showcased both emerging talent and seasoned veterans. Bryan Woo took the mound for Seattle, delivering a commanding performance that required just 73 pitches to navigate six innings. The young right-hander struck out four batters while allowing only three hits and issuing no walks, marking a solid final tune-up ahead of the regular season.

However, it was Mitch Garver who truly captured the spotlight on Sunday. The newly appointed backup catcher made his presence felt at the plate, launching a home run and contributing a sacrifice fly to the Mariners’ scoring effort. Garver’s offensive contributions came on the same day he was officially named the team’s backup catcher, a role he has fought hard to secure. Dan Wilson, reflecting on Garver’s abilities, praised his experience and approach to the game. “I think the job that Garv does is tremendous,” Wilson noted. “He takes our information very seriously. When you combine those two, Garv does a really good job back there.”

Garver’s journey with the Mariners has been a rollercoaster since he signed a two-year deal in 2024. After posting an 86 wRC+ in 720 plate appearances before hitting free agency, he initially fell short of expectations, especially in the designated hitter role the team had envisioned for him. With the offseason signing of Andrew Knizner and Johnny Pereda, his future with the team appeared uncertain. Yet, a personal outreach from Cal Raleigh, the starting catcher, proved pivotal in bringing Garver back to camp, culminating in his successful bid for the backup position.

While Garver’s role may not be glamorous, it is certainly valuable. His ability to hit left-handed pitchers effectively and provide reliable support to Raleigh will be crucial as the Mariners head into the season. Beyond his contributions on the field, Garver’s experience will bolster the team’s overall dynamic.

As for the rest of the game, there was little to report. Andrés Muñoz pitched competently, while Jose Ferrer surrendered a home run. Cooper Criswell finished the game with a slight scare but ultimately secured the win. With both teams managing only a handful of hits, the matchup was swift and uneventful—exactly what one hopes for as the regular season approaches.

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