Competition heats up for duty as the Mariners’ second bullpen lefty

The first priority for the Mariners in determining who fills the role as the bullpen’s second lefty is, really, the only priority:

"Who is going to help us get off to a good start?" manager Scott Servais said. "Who is going to help us win games in Houston and when we go to Anaheim right out of the chute?"

For example: Ariel Miranda might be a better long-term fit in the rotation, but if he’s the best option to pair with match-up lefty Marc Rzepczynski, then Miranda will open the season in the big-league bullpen.

The Mariners do have alternatives, though, that could push Miranda into the rotation at Triple-A Tacoma in James Pazos (acquired in the offseason from the Yankees) and Dillon Overton…