Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson announced a strategic change to the team's pitching rotation for Monday's series opener against the Athletics in Sacramento.
The adjustment reverses the order of the newly implemented piggyback system, where two starting pitchers are used in tandem during a single game.
>>> New York Knicks Sweep Cavaliers, Reach NBA Finals for First Time Since 1999
Under the revised plan, right-hander Luis Castillo will throw the opening pitch, while Bryce Miller transitions to a secondary relief role.
"Luis will start the piggyback [on Monday]," Wilson said.
The manager explained that the rotation change is a direct reversal of the sequence used in the previous game.
"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," Wilson added.
>>> Montreal Canadiens Rout Carolina Hurricanes 6-2 in Eastern Final Opener
Contrasting Performances in Last Outing
The strategic shift follows contrasting performances by the two pitchers during their previous appearance against the Chicago White Sox, according to mlb.
com.
In that contest, Miller delivered 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing only one hit while recording seven strikeouts.
Castillo initially maintained the shutout through the seventh and eighth innings before surrendering two runs in the ninth due to control issues.
>>> New York Knicks Reach 2026 NBA Finals After Eastern Conference Title
The late-game rally by Chicago resulted in a loss for Castillo, who finished his 2 1/3 innings of work with one hit, two walks, and one hit batter.
