Hancock Thrives in Relief, Mariners' Bullpen Dilemma

0:00It's March 1st, here's your Seattle Mariners news in two minutes. Subscribe to Stay Locked in all season. Seattle Mariners pitcher Emerson Hancock made a strong impression in a recent outing. The 26-year-old former first-round pick from Georgia through 2.2 scoreless innings while striking out four batters. He averaged 96.3 miles per hour on his fastball and mixed in his change-up, sinker and sweep effectively. Over the last two years, Hancock has filled in as a starter for the Mariners due to injuries. In 2024, he went four wins and four losses over 12 starts. Last season, he posted four wins and five losses in 22 appearances, including 16 starts. The team shifted him to the bullpen late in the year, and he earned a spot on the playoff roster. Fans and analysts see Hancock thriving in relief roles moving forward. He's dominated in triple A and shown he can handle big league hitters and short bursts. His velocity jumps in shorter outings, making him ideal for long relief, or six thinning

1:02work. Plus, with options still available, he gives the team flexibility in a bullpen full of veterans without minor league room. On the flip side, the Mariners bullpen lacks wiggle room because many relievers are out of options. That could force depth pieces like Kubrick Chriswell to stick around, potentially sending Hancock back to triple A as starting rotation insurance. Right now, uncertainty around Bryce Miller's oblique issue adds pressure. The team might need Hancock starting experience sooner than expected, keeping his role up in the air as spring training ramps up. Appreciation to our sponsor for backing this episode. Lay back. Press play. Let the pillow do the rest. Sound meets comfort. S-O-L-I. SoleyPillow.com