Mariners News: Dane Dunning, José Berríos, and Caleb Ferguson

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Feb 20, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Dane Dunning (27) throws in the first inning against the San Diego Padres during a Spring Training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Good morning everyone, and welcome to the weekend!

Though the Mariners lost to the Dodgers 10-7 in yesterday’s spring bout, we saw the first Cactus League homer of the year from Colt Emerson in the latest stages of the contest. It’s been a sleepy spring so far for the young infielder, but it’s good to see him get some opportunities.

What are you most looking forward to this weekend? Got any plans? Hoping to just relax and watch some sports? Or, do you have any major obligations such as work or activities with the kids?

In Mariners news…​

• With Bryce Miller likely to start the season on the injured list, Brent Stecker thinks the Mariners should try to bring James Paxton out of retirement.
• Daniel Kramer provided an update on his projection for the Mariners’ 2026 Opening Day roster.
• Michael Clair spoke to Mariners right-hander Dane Dunning about his experience repping his mother’s home country of Korea in the WBC.

In the World Baseball Classic…​

• Team USA earned a hard-fought victory against Josh Naylor’s Team Canada in the quarterfinal, squeezing out a 5-3 win.
• The Dominican Republic easily dispatched Team Korea 10-0 in a mercy-rule contest that only lasted seven innings.
• Clayton Kershaw was replaced on the Team USA roster by Twins right-hander Joe Ryan.

Around the league…​

• Blue Jays righty José Berríos will visit a specialist about elbow inflammation he’s been experiencing.
• Former Mariners lefty and current Reds reliever Caleb Ferguson will start the season on the injured list due to a strained right oblique.
• Former Rangers and A’s reliever and current free agent José Leclerc is targeting a return to play in July. Leclerc has been recovering from shoulder surgery since last summer.
• Jorge Castillo wonders which Japanese stars will be the next to make the jump from WBC fame to MLB.

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