Mariners To Reinstate Bryce Miller, Adjust Rotation

Key Points:

• Right-hander Bryce Miller will make his Mariners season debut against the Astros on Wednesday after starting the year on the injured list with an oblique strain, with Seattle initially adopting a six-man rotation.
• Miller has faced injury setbacks in the past two seasons, including elbow inflammation in 2025, but returned healthy for the postseason last year before his current oblique injury.
• Emerson Hancock has emerged as a surprising breakout in 2026, posting a mid-2.00s ERA and strong strikeout numbers, contrasting with his previous struggles in the rotation.
• Seattle plans to keep both Miller and Hancock in the rotation, along with Luis Castillo, despite Castillo’s recent poor performance, opting for a six-man rotation to provide extra rest during a tough schedule.
• Castillo, who has been hit hard in recent outings and may be declining due to age, is still under a significant contract, so the Mariners are considering a piggyback setup with Miller to help improve his effectiveness.