Mariners announce rotation plan with Bryce Miller set to return

Key Points:

• The Seattle Mariners will implement a six-man pitching rotation starting with Bryce Miller's return from the injured list, as announced by manager Dan Wilson ahead of their series in Houston.
• Miller, recovering from an oblique strain sustained in spring training, is scheduled to pitch Game 3 against the Astros on May 13, with the rotation adjusted to accommodate his start.
• Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto emphasized that none of the top six starters will be moved to the bullpen or Triple-A, to maintain their pitch volume and effectiveness.
• With no off days during a stretch of 13 games in 13 days, the six-man rotation is practical for now, but the team is considering a "piggyback" option for the future to balance workload and maximize starts.
• Off days in late May and early June may lead the Mariners to adjust the rotation further, potentially pairing pitchers for shorter outings, but final decisions will be made after Miller's first start back.