The Mariners must add another starting pitcher next week to replace the injured James Paxton in the starting rotation. Taijuan Walker and Blake Beavan are the leading candidates.
Walker will probably get the call if he is ready in his recovery from shoulder soreness. He certainly appeared to be in fanning 10 in five shutout innings during a rehab start for Double-A Jackson. But if the Mariners want to increase his pitch count before sticking him in their rotation, Beavan could be promoted.
Beavan was far less impressive in his last start for Triple-A Tacoma. He surrendered three runs and two homers in six innings for a no-decision.