Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer will make his first start in the majors Thursday against the Athletics.
Maurer's strong spring training performance won him a spot in the rotation over the more heralded Erasmo Ramirez. Maurer was named the Southern League Pitcher of the Year in Double-A last season, but has never thrown a pitch in Triple-A.
Maurer's first start comes in a favorable park, as CBS Fantasy writer Jack Moore wrote Wednesday. O.co Coliseum has typically played pitcher friendly, suppressing scoring and power. The park also has a large foul ground area that helps aid pitchers. Maurer could be on his way to a decent first performance if he can tame his nerves.