The Seattle Mariners made a surprise announcement about one of their struggling starting pitchers.

The Mariners turn to Emerson Hancock against Blue Jays ace Dylan Cease in a pitching matchup that could expose Seattle's biggest problem at Rogers Centre.

BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Blue Jays start a three-game series at home against the Seattle Mariners on Friday. Toronto has a 65-70 record overall and a 34-35 record at home. The Blue Jays have a 31-52 record in games when they have allowed a home run.

Bob Stelton (Wyman & Bob) breaks down the Seattle Mariners 4-2 homestand and where the team sits in the division race with 28 games to go. ---- 0:00 - 4-2 Homestand vs The Cubs and Phillies 1:25 - What to do with the 6 Starting Pitchers 2:27 - Where the Mariners stand in the AL West Race ----- Listen to The Wyman & Bob Show weekdays from 2 p.

Mariners reliever Gabe Speier was suspended three games and manager Dan Wilson one after Speier hit Detroit's Gleyber Torres with a pitch in the eighth inning of Wednesday night's game.

"Friday Night Baseball" returns to Apple TV+ with Mariners-Blue Jays and Red Sox-Yankees on Aug. 28, 2026.

The Blue Jays and Mariners desperately need to keep winning to stay in the crowded AL wild card picture, so the pressure will be on as they open a weekend series Friday. Even a few bad games in a row could leave either falling out of touch in the race for what likely will be the final postseason spot,