Emerson

Hancock

Hancock walked one and struck out three. The right-hander was making his second start of the Cactus League, and both have seen mixed — at best — results for the 25-year-old. He’ll open the year as the sixth starter for Seattle, and only will make appearances if there’s an injury or trade at this point.

Hancock navigated a scoreless first inning, then gave up a pair of hits in the second inning — including an RBI single by Ildemaro Vargas. Two of his five outs did come via the strikeout, with Geraldo Perdomo and Adrian Del Castillo fanning in succession in the second inning. The Mariners’ rotation is absolutely loaded heading into the 2025 season, so unless there’s a trade or an injury of some sort, Hancock will open the season either in the bullpen or in the rotation at Triple-A Tacoma.

Given that he’s not overtaking anyone in the Mariners’ rotation, Hancock should be available this winter if anyone believes in him as a legitimate fourth starter. Still, the stuff would seem to be a little short. He winds up with a 4-4 record and a 4.75 ERA in 12 big-league starts this season. He struck out a total of 39 batters and gave up 12 homers in 60 2/3 innings. Even in Triple-A, he totaled just 66 strikeouts in 94 1/3 innings. He has option years remaining, so the Mariners can keep him around as a fallback.

Luis Castillo might have come off the IL to start this weekend had the games meant something, but that’s not happening. The surprise here is that Gilbert, who started Tuesday, will get the nod over Miller, who started Monday, in the finale. Miller wasn’t officially ruled out for the weekend, but it seems likely that he’ll finish up with his current 12-8 record and 2.94 ERA.

Hancock pitched well Sunday with two earned runs allowed over five innings, but the Mariners likely won’t use a fifth starter over the final week so he’s expendable. Gabe Speier was recalled to take Hancock’s place.

Hancock was making his second start since being recalled from Triple-A to replace Luis Castillo (hamstring), and it went mostly well. The only blemish was a two-run shot by Josh Smith in the third, but he only allowed four other hits while striking out three and walking no one. Hancock is just a backend starter who doesn’t miss many bats, but Saturday was a good result. He’s scheduled to pitch again Friday against the Athletics.

Hancock’s stuff tonight was clearly down from his nine previous major league starts this season, but he kept the Mariners in the game while throwing in the low-90s with his fastball and sinker. He’ll likely face the Yankees next time out, and even though that start will be in Seattle, he seems like a poor play.

Filling in for Luis Castillo, Hancock will make his 10th major league start of the year tonight against the Rangers. He was 3-4 with a 4.76 ERA in the previous nine. Expectations are that he’ll remain up and start again versus the Yankees next week.

Hancock took a loss in his spot start Saturday, giving up two runs in four innings against the Mariners. He still likely remains next in line for any openings in Seattle’s rotation.

Hancock gave up six hits with two walks — he also hit a batter — while striking out four. The right-hander dealt with plenty of traffic, but only one run was scored while he was in the game, and there were some decent moments for the 25-year-old. Hancock isn’t scheduled to make another start for Seattle, but is worth streaming consideration when he does get the ball against mediocre or worse lineups.