The Seattle Mariners welcome the Cincinnati Reds to T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, July 22, with first pitch scheduled for 3:40 PM ET. Emerson Hancock gets the ball for Seattle, squaring off against Brady Singer in a mid-week interleague matchup that gives the Mariners a chance to build momentum at home. With a lineup that balances veteran bats and promising young talent, this is a game Seattle will want to take care of business in front of the home crowd.

Mariners vs. Reds Starting Pitchers: Hancock vs. Singer

Emerson Hancock draws the start for the Mariners. The right-hander has been one of the more intriguing arms in Seattle's rotation, and this start against Cincinnati is another opportunity for him to establish himself as a reliable piece of the staff. How deep Hancock can go and whether he can limit the Reds' contact-heavy tendencies will be central to the outcome.

Brady Singer takes the mound for Cincinnati. Singer is a capable starter who can work efficiently when he's on, so Seattle's lineup will need to be patient and look for pitches to drive rather than expanding the zone early in counts.

Seattle Mariners Lineup and Keys to Watch

Cole Young leads off at second base, with Julio Rodríguez batting second as the designated hitter — a clear sign of how much this organization trusts J-Rod's bat at the top of the order. Dominic Canzone hits third in right field, followed by Randy Arozarena protecting the cleanup spot in left. Josh Naylor brings power from the five-hole at first base, and Cal Raleigh — one of the most dangerous catchers in the American League — slots in at six. Luke Raley, Weston Wilson, and shortstop prospect Colt Emerson round out the bottom of the order.

• Julio Rodríguez's impact: J-Rod hitting second is a statement. If he's seeing the ball well, the middle of this lineup becomes a real problem for Singer.
• Cal Raleigh's presence: Raleigh in the six-hole gives Seattle a legitimate power threat even deep in the order. Cincinnati's bullpen cannot afford to coast once they get past Arozarena and Naylor.
• Colt Emerson at short: The young shortstop batting ninth continues to get meaningful at-bats. Watch how he handles Singer's stuff — these reps matter for his development.
• Hancock's command: If Hancock can get ahead in counts and keep Elly De La Cruz from getting on base and doing damage with his speed, Seattle should be in good shape through the middle innings.

Cincinnati Reds Lineup: Elly De La Cruz Leads the Way

Elly De La Cruz leads off at shortstop for Cincinnati and is the most dangerous player in the Reds' order — his combination of speed and raw power makes him a constant threat. Sal Stewart hits second, JJ Bleday third, and Spencer Steer fourth. Nathaniel Lowe provides steady production at DH in the five-spot, with Tyler Stephenson behind the plate at six. Dane Myers, Edwin Arroyo, and Ke'Bryan Hayes fill out the bottom of Cincinnati's order.

De La Cruz is the key. If Hancock can neutralize him early, the Reds' lineup becomes considerably more manageable. If De La Cruz gets rolling, Cincinnati has the pieces around him to make things uncomfortable.

Prediction: Mariners Win at Home

Seattle has the lineup depth and home-field advantage to take this one. Hancock needs to give the Mariners five or six quality innings, and if the middle of the order — Rodríguez, Canzone, Arozarena, Naylor, and Raleigh — can do damage against Singer, this game should tilt in Seattle's favor. Look for the Mariners to get contributions from multiple spots in the lineup and pull out a 4-2 win at T-Mobile Park.

Catch the action on Mariners.TV or on Seattle Sports 710 AM.