BREAKING NEWS: Seattle Mariners Officially Names New Opening Day Starter

The Seattle Mariners have officially designated Luis Castillo as their Opening Day starter for their matchup against the Boston Red Sox on March 28, as confirmed by the team’s announcement on social media.

This choice was widely expected, considering Castillo’s experience and skill level, making him the natural leader of the Mariners’ young pitching staff. While George Kirby or Logan Gilbert may vie for this honor in the future, Castillo earns the nod for the second consecutive year, building on his impressive performance last year with six scoreless innings against the Cleveland Guardians.

At 31 years old, Castillo is recognized as one of the most formidable pitchers in baseball. His dominance on the mound is pivotal for the Mariners’ postseason aspirations this season. Acquired by Seattle from the Cincinnati Reds at the 2022 trade deadline, Castillo enters his eighth MLB season with a career record of 62-64 and a commendable 3.54 ERA.

Lock it in. Opening Day. La Piedra 💪

🔱 https://t.co/lpx49fwarM 🔱 pic.twitter.com/xq1YMC79u9

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 18, 2024

In the previous season, Castillo showcased his prowess by posting a 14-9 record with a 3.34 ERA for the Mariners. Notably, he led the American League with 33 starts and earned a fifth-place finish in the AL Cy Young Award voting. As a three-time All-Star, Castillo’s contributions are vital for the Mariners’ success, particularly in their pursuit of a playoff berth.

Joining Castillo in the rotation are promising young talents such as Kirby, Gilbert, Bryan Woo, and Bryce Miller.

While the Mariners have solidified their Opening Day starter, the Red Sox are yet to announce theirs, leaving uncertainty regarding who will oppose Castillo on the mound.