Mariners vs Guardians Preview: Friday Night Showdown

Luis Castillo is locked in for Seattle. The ace owns a dominant 2.06 ERA and has struck out 18 batters this season. You're watching one of the best pitchers in baseball when Castillo takes the ball. Cleveland's Joey Cantillo fires back with a 4.67 ERA and just two wins. This is a major mismatch on the mound. Castillo's control is crisp. His fastball cuts through the zone like a blade. When Seattle's ace pitches, opposing hitters struggle to make solid contact. Cantillo has work to do if Cleveland wants to stay close.

Seattle is built on pitching. Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo anchor a rotation that dominates. George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo add serious depth behind them. The Mariners don't rely on one superstar—they have five strong starters. Andrés Muñoz closes games with a 1.73 ERA. Cleveland has solid arms too. Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee lead their rotation. Joey Cantillo and Slade Cecconi provide backup strength. Both teams trust their pitchers. Both teams know strong pitching wins close games. This matchup shows two teams built to last.

Seattle is missing some key arms. Matt Brash, Carlos Vargas, and Cooper Criswell are all hurt and out until August. Will Wilson just started rehab games and might return soon. Brendan Donovan is healing from a groin strain. Cleveland faces its own damage. Jose Ramirez, the star third baseman, had surgery and won't return until late July. Chase DeLauter might come back this weekend from a rib injury. Angel Martinez landed on injured list with a foot bruise. Both teams are banged up. Both teams keep fighting anyway. That's baseball in June.