SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Chris Young tossed shutout ball in his Seattle debut Saturday, providing a much-needed pitching boost for the Mariners as they closed spring training with a 2-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies.
With pitchers Hisashi Iwakuma, Taijuan Walker and Stephen Pryor all sidelined, the Mariners signed Young on Thursday after he was released by Washington. The 34-year-old right-hander allowed four hits, struck out two and issued no walks in 4 2-3 innings as he moves into a rotation spot.
The 6-foot-10 right-hander last pitched in the majors in 2012.
“Really doesn’t matter if I’m ready or not. We’ve got to do it,” Young said. “But I am. I’m excited to be back out there. It’s been a while for me. I welcome the opportunity.”
Kyle Seager’s RBI single in the second was the lone run off Rockies starter Franklin Morales. He worked around five walks and three hits in 5 1-3 innings, a day after he was selected as the fifth starter.
Seattle newcomer Robinson Cano struck out and flied out before exiting in the third, finishing with a .412 spring average.
Brandon Barnes’ RBI single off Joe Beimel in the seventh snapped the tie.
STARTING TIME
Mariners: Young threw 64 pitches before throwing another 15 in the bullpen.
“I thought he tired a little bit at the end, but I was pleased with what I saw,” Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said. “He’s the guy I remembered.”
Rockies: Control issues have hurt Morales in a few spring outings.
“He still has enough stuff where he can deal with some traffic and strike guys out,” manager Walt Weiss said. “But he didn’t have good command today.”
CHATWOOD OK
Rockies right-hander Tyler Chatwood was confident what he called a “minor” left hamstring strain wouldn’t keep him from Wednesday’s start.
“I think I’m fine,” Chatwood said before playing catch and riding an exercise bike.
Chatwood said he slipped on some loose dirt while running out a triple Friday against Seattle.
“A double would have been fine,” pitching coach Jim Wright said.
But Chatwood had no regrets.
“It’s just how I was raised to play,” Chatwood said. “I’m not going to dwell on anything.”
Wright said they would hold back Jordan Lyles, who was sent to Triple-A on Friday, in case Chatwood’s recovery stalls.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Mariners: DH Corey Hart (forearm) went 0 for 3 in his first major league game since March 20, but McClendon said he’s ready for Monday’s opener.
Rockies: Right-hander Jhoulys Chacin (shoulder) is scheduled to stay in Arizona and throw 20-25 pitches in a batting practice Monday. Chacin is expected to return in early May.
ROSTER MOVES
The Mariners officially put Iwakuma (finger), Walker (shoulder) and Pryor (shoulder) on the 15-day disabled list, all retroactive to March 21. All are expected back in mid- to late-April.
The Rockies set their roster, confirming they’re keeping six outfielders (Michael Cuddyer, Carlos Gonzalez, Drew Stubbs, Charlie Blackmon, Corey Dickerson and Barnes). Infielder Paul Janish was released.
KAHNLE MAKES IT
Three things struck Wright as he watched Rule 5 draft pick Tommy Kahnle this spring.
“I was surprised at his ability to throw strikes this camp,” Wright said. “I didn’t know he had such a good changeup. And I didn’t know that he didn’t have a breaking ball.”
Wright said Kahnle’s slider wasn’t effective, so he worked on changing the grip and he tested it out for the first time in a game Friday.
“I tell you what, he broke out a slider that he never had before,” Wright said. “So I’m encouraged.”
Encouraged enough that the right-handed reliever, a former Yankees prospect, made Colorado’s 25-man roster despite not having pitched above Double-A.
“A dream come true,” Kahnle said.
UP NEXT
The Mariners were flying to Los Angeles immediately after the game. They’ll hold a workout Sunday before Monday’s opener against the Angels.
Due to a hotel issue, the Rockies were not leaving for Miami until Sunday morning to play the Marlins in their opener Monday.
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