Padres vs Mariners Preview: Battle of Pitching Power

San Diego's pitching lineup gives them a real shot at staying competitive. Michael King anchors the rotation with reliable starts, while veterans Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove provide experienced depth. Randy Vásquez rounds out the staff nicely. However, some key arms are injured—Matt Waldron, German Marquez, and Nick Pivetta are all on the injured list. The bullpen remains their biggest weapon. Mason Miller, one of baseball's most electric closers, locks down games in the ninth inning. If the healthy rotation stays steady and Miller keeps shutting down opponents, San Diego's pitching gives them every chance to compete and push toward the playoffs.

Seattle boasts one of baseball's deepest pitching staffs from top to bottom. Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo anchor the rotation with high-level talent capable of dominating lineups. George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo provide excellent depth behind them. While Seattle doesn't have a single dominant Cy Young favorite, their consistency throughout the rotation makes them one of the most reliable staffs in the league. Andrés Muñoz, their premier closer, recorded 38 saves with a 1.73 ERA last season. Some injuries affect their roster—Cal Raleigh is on the 10-day injured list with a strain, and Matt Brash is out with inflammation. Despite these setbacks, their pitching depth remains formidable.

Julio Rodríguez has become one of baseball's brightest young stars in just four seasons. Last year he hit 32 home runs, drove in 95 runs, and stole 30 bases—proving he can impact games in multiple ways. His combination of power, speed, and athleticism gives him the potential to reach even higher levels. Cal Raleigh just finished an incredible season, hitting 60 home runs and driving in 125 runs, both leading his league. He finished second in MVP voting and won a Gold Glove in 2024. Manny Machado remains the Padres' centerpiece, delivering elite defense and consistent power at the plate. Jackson Merrill, a talented young Padres outfielder, offers speed, power, and athleticism despite a tougher second season.