Mariners to call up top pitching prospect Kade Anderson for debut vs. Cubs
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Seattle Mariners, struggling with playoff odds and pitching issues, will debut top pitching prospect Kade Anderson on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs, aiming to bolster their rotation.
- Anderson, the No. 1 prospect per The Athletic’s Keith Law, was drafted third overall from LSU and has excelled in Double-A Arkansas with a 1.06 ERA and 135 strikeouts in 18 starts.
- Seattle has fallen from AL West leaders to 4.5 games behind the Houston Astros and is currently 8 games under .500, with a pitching staff ERA of 5.56 since July 21, ranking among the worst in MLB.
- Anderson’s repertoire includes a four-pitch mix highlighted by an elite changeup with a 50% whiff rate, plus exceptional control, making him a potential future No. 1 starter despite some concerns about his fastball’s movement.
- To add Anderson to the roster, the Mariners will likely move Matt Brash to the 60-day injured list, as Anderson is not currently on the 40-man roster.
