Mariners Game #33 Preview and Discussion: KCR at SEA, 5/1

TL;DR

The Mariners face the Royals in Game #33, featuring a pitching duel between Cole Ragans and Bryan Woo. Woo has shown strong performance this season, while Ragans struggles with control issues.

Key points

Mariners play Royals in Game #33
Pitching matchup: Cole Ragans vs. Bryan Woo
Woo has one strong outing against the Royals
Ragans struggles with high walk rate
Mariners need to capitalize on Ragans' strikeouts

MarinersRoyalsBryan WooCole Ragans

DENVER, CO - JULY 11: Julio Rodriguez #3 and Bobby Witt Jr. #7 of American League Futures Team bump fists before the game against the National League Futures Team at Coors Field on July 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We should be in store for an excellent pitching matchup tonight as Cole Ragans faces off against Bryan Woo. Weirdly, I can find no evidence that Woo pitched on Saturday or was injured or ill, even though it was his turn in the rotation. But he’s basically picked up this season where he left off, carving through lineups with his pair of fastballs. He’s only ever faced the Royals once, back in 2024. He struck out five and walked one while allowing just one run over five and a third.

Ragans, meanwhile, followed up his breakout 2024 with an injury-hampered 2025, and he’s been struggling to find the zone to start the season this year. His 15.7% walk rate is third-highest among the 143 pitchers to toss at least 20 innings. But his four-seamer’s still racking up whiffs, so the Mariners need to be on their toes.

Lineups

Despite facing a lefty, Rob Refsnyder will get the night off as he’s “a little banged up.” Won’t hurt to give Connor Joe another opportunity as he’s been on what passes for a heater for him.