Mariners implement piggyback rotation plan amid pitching challenges
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 1:00 AM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
The Seattle Mariners are returning to a piggyback starting rotation strategy for the next month, effective immediately. This plan will rotate all six starters, allowing each to pair with another starter to manage pitching loads. General Manager Justin Hollander praised the rotation's camaraderie and willingness to collaborate through recent pitching struggles and injuries. The decision follows a 4-6 road trip where the team's bullpen was stretched thin, impacting the performance of starters like Emerson Hancock and George Kirby. The first pairing under the new strategy will feature Luis Castillo and Bryce Miller sharing a start on Friday.
- •Mariners will employ a piggyback starting rotation through the All-Star Break.
- •All six starters will rotate in the piggyback plan.
- •The decision comes after a 4-6 road trip and bullpen struggles.
- •Luis Castillo and Bryce Miller will start together on Friday.
- •General Manager Justin Hollander highlights strong team camaraderie.
- 1:00 AMYahoo Sports — Seattle Mariners Returning Piggyback Approach With a Twist
- 11:32 PMYahoo Sports — Mariners to return to piggyback starting rotation plan
"All pitchers on the Mariners' rotation will take turns piggybacking with each other until the All-Star Break
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 1:00 AMSeattle Mariners Returning Piggyback Approach With a Twist
All pitchers on the Mariners' rotation will take turns piggybacking with each other until the All-Star Break
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 11:32 PMMariners to return to piggyback starting rotation plan
Somehow, the piggyback returned.
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