Rowdy Tellez Seems Like a Lock For Seattle Mariners Opening Day Roster

Signed to a minor-league contract after the start of spring training, Tellez has made an impact on the clubhouse, and it looks like he's barreling toward a roster spot.

Seattle Mariners first baseman Rowdy Tellez against the Cleveland Guardians during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex on March 3. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

UPDATE: Julio Rodriguez was scratched from the lineup. The original information about Tellez and his likely roster spot still stands.

Updated lineup:

RF Robles
3B Polanco
C Raleigh
LF Arozarena
CF Raley
DH Tellez
2B Bliss
1B Shenton
SS Crawford

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 17, 2025

The Seattle Mariners are taking on the Athletics on Monday afternoon as Cactus League play starts to wind down. With just 10 days to go until Opening Day, the M's are working their way toward the 2025 season, and Monday's lineup seems like the greatest indication yet of where they are at.

The lineup not only features all of the regulars, but it also features them in batting order positions that make sense for them. Victor Robles, Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh make up the first third of the lineup, while Randy Arozarena, Luke Raley and Jorge Polanco make up the middle chunk. Slugger Rowdy Tellez, Ryan Bliss and J.P. Crawford round out the starting nine.

Monday matinee. #TridentsUp

📻 @SeattleSports pic.twitter.com/f4R4AJjMVY

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 17, 2025

There are a few interesting things to note as a result of this lineup:

1) It seems as if Ryan Bliss has won the second base job. Heading into spring training, there was a question of Bliss/Dylan Moore/Leo Rivas/Cole Young and Bliss has made the most of his opportunities. He's hitting .360 (9-for-25) with four doubles and a triple. Moore is hitting .063 (2-for-32).

2) It seems as if Tellez is a lock for the roster. Signed to a minor-league deal after spring training started, Tellez is hitting .294 with three homers in Cactus League play. He provides the Mariners with more depth and more power, while also bringing in playoff experience. He's a .234 lifetime hitter with 105 home runs in seven seasons. He's not on the 40-man roster, so the M's may need to make a roster move to accommodate him.

3) No Donovan Solano. Solano, signed this offseason to a one-year deal, figures to see significant time for the Mariners, but it could be as part of a platoon with Luke Raley at first base. Tellez's presence likely means he won't se as much time at designated hitter.

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