After a long offseason, the Seattle Mariners return to action in the Cactus League, kicking off their spring training against the San Diego Padres. The Mariners will feature left-hander Jhonathan Diaz, who is vying for a spot in the rotation after a solid Triple-A season. Other key players like Julio Rodriguez and JP Crawford will also take the field, indicating the team's intent to build on last year's near-playoff run. With Donovan Solano delayed due to visa issues and Jorge Polanco recovering from knee surgery, the roster remains competitive as players vie for limited spots.

The Mariners finished last season with an 85-77 record, just missing out on the playoffs. The Padres, conversely, had a strong performance and made it to the postseason, highlighting the competitive landscape ahead. Vancouver fans will be keen to see whether Diaz can solidify his position and how the rest of the roster performs in the run-up to the season.

Spring training kicks off today with the Seattle Mariners facing the San Diego Padres at 12:10 p.m. MT in Peoria, Arizona. Mariners manager Dan Wilson confirmed that left-handed reliever Jhonathan Diaz will start the game, amidst a rotation strategy that allows core starters to ease into their rhythm over the early games. Diaz, who has had a tumultuous path in recent seasons, will look to establish himself in what appears to be a competitive bullpen. Last season, Diaz posted a 4.66 ERA with eight strikeouts over 9.2 innings.

With the team focusing on short outings for starters, several relief pitchers will have opportunities to prove themselves during camp. The Mariners are optimistic about their roster depth and the potential of emerging pitchers being integrated into the major league team. Moreover, there are notable future developments, including the mentorship role of Edgar Martinez for rising star Julio Rodriguez, which could bode well for the Mariners' offensive prospects.