M’s notebook: Paxton plans more aggressive approach

SEATTLE — Seattle Mariners lefty James Paxton is taking a simple approach — be aggressive — in his effort to regain his form as he lugs an 8.40 earned-run average into Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Twins at Safeco Field.

“I think I just need to get back to attacking the zone,” he said, “instead of trying to pick at the corners and kind of pushing the ball in there. I just need to attack it more.

“I think I was just trying to be too perfect (in his three previous starts). Hit the corners. … I just wasn’t being myself. I was trying to be someone I’m not. I was just trying to be too fine.

“I become not as aggressive in letting go of the ball when I do that. I just need to get back to attacking like I did last year.”

Manager Lloyd McClendon reinforced that need to be aggressive a day after Paxton’s disastrous outing last Sunday, when he surrendered an early 2-0 lead against Texas by yielding seven runs in the third inning.

“I think he’s going to be better,” McClendon said. “Let’s hope so.”

Paxton (0-1) actually pitched well in his first start which, ironically, is the only game he lost; he limited the Angels to two runs and four hits over six innings on April 7 in a 2-0 loss.

Since then, he’s failed to hold early multi-run leads against the Dodgers and Rangers before gaining no-decisions. The Mariners overcame from two five-run deficits last Sunday after Paxton exited in beating Texas.

“For me, the past is the past,” he said. “I can’t change it. All I can focus on is what I can do right now to get better.”

Paxton offered a key “tell” to track Saturday night against the Twins.

“The pushing of the ball,” he said, “was causing me to go toward third base. Whereas when I’m being aggressive and attacking, I’ll go straight toward the plate.”

Closing in

Mariners ace Felix Hernandez entered Friday’s start just 15 strikeouts shy of overtaking former Minnesota Cy Young winner Johan Santana as the all-time leader among Venezuelan-born pitchers.

Hernandez had 1,974 prior to Friday’s game, while Santana sits at 1,988 for his 12-year career.

Santana, now 36, is currently on Toronto’s disabled list as he works to recover from his latest shoulder injury. He hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2012 with the New York Mets.

The rest of the Venezuelan-born top five: Carlos Zambrano (1,637), Freddy Garcia (1,621) and Wilson Alvarez (1,330).

Lining it up

The Mariners used their 15th lineup in 16 games for Friday’s series opener against the Twins. Left fielder Dustin Ackley batted sixth for the first time this season.

It marked Ackley’s fifth different spot in the lineup. He previously served twice as the leadoff hitter; batted second on three occasions; seventh in four games and eighth once.

One thing hasn’t changed: Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager have batted three-four-five in all 16 games.

Minor details

Hi-A Bakersfield catcher Tyler Marlette entered the weekend ranked among the California League leaders in numerous offensive categories.

Marlette, 22, was fourth in batting average (.375), seventh in on-base percentage (.419), fourth in slugging percentage (.625) and fifth in OPS (1.044).

The Mariners selected Marlette in the fifth round of the 2011 draft. He entered the season ranked at No. 9 on the Tacoma News Tribune’s Top-10 list of the organization’s prospects.

Looking back

It was 34 years ago Saturday — April 25, 1981 — that manager Maury Wills, seeking an edge for his pitchers, had the Kingdome grounds crew surreptitiously move the batter’s box one foot closer to the mound.

Oakland manager Billy Martin wasn’t fooled and reported his suspicions to umpire Bill Kunkel. Wills’ scheme got exposed, and he subsequently received a two-game suspension.

Mariners starter Jerry Don Gleaton, with the plate again 60 feet and 6 inches from the mound, gave up five runs in 21/3 innings in a 7-4 loss. The A’s improved to 16-1; the Mariners fell to 4-11.

Short hops

Mariners broadcaster and former player Mike Blowers turned 50 on Friday. He spent six of 11 big-league seasons with the Mariners and is in his ninth year as one of the club’s broadcasters. … Mike Zunino has played in all 16 of the Mariners’ games. The only other catcher to play in all of his club’s games is Kansas City’s Salvador Perez.

On tap

The Mariners and Twins continue their three-game series at 6:10 p.m. Saturday when lefty James Paxton (0-1, 8.40) opposes Minnesota right-hander Trevor May (1-1, 4.76).

The game can be seen on Root Sports and heard on 710 ESPN.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.