Maurer allowed three hits and an earned run with three walks over 6 2/3 innings. He struck out seven against Sacramento.
Maurer remains in Seattle's plans as a 22-year-old starter. He's expected to remain in the minors for seasoning after going 2-7 with a 6.93 ERA over his first 10 major-league starts.
Mariners demote Brandon Maurer
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (5/29/2013) The Mariners have optioned starter Brandon Maurer to Triple-A Tacoma, MLB.com reports.
Maurer took a beating with Seattle. The rookie allowed 40 runs (38 earned) in 49 1/3 innings, a 6.93 ERA. He served up 10 home runs in as many starts. He likely remains in the Mariners future plans, but he'll need some minor league seasoning if he is to be a useful major-league starter.
Brandon Maurer suffers defeat
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/29/2013) Mariners starter Brandon Maurer didn't fare too well Tuesday at home against the Padres. He had a 1-0 lead after three innings, but it all came apart from there.
The 22-year-old gave up a two-run homer to Jedd Gyorko in the fourth inning and a solo shot to Alexi Amarista in the fifth. In all, he allowed six runs -- five earned -- on nine hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out two and took the loss to fall to 2-7 in his rookie season with a 6.93 ERA.
Maurer may not get many more opportunities as he's now dropped four straight decisions over a span of five outings. He's shown plenty of potential, but he's also not getting it done right now. His next start is currently scheduled for Sunday at Minnesota.
Brandon Maurer roughed up in Anaheim
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/22/2013) Mariners starter Brandon Maurer trailed 5-0 after the first inning Wednesday in Anaheim against the suddenly red-hot Angels. He didn't allow a home run but surrendered seven earned runs on 11 hits and two walks in three innings. He was replaced after 74 pitches. Maurer (2-6) struck out two in the loss, and he has a 6.80 ERA.
Maurer has lost three consecutive decisions in his last four outings and has allowed at least three runs in each of those starts. He's yet to go deeper than 6 2/3 in any start. Maurer is scheduled to start Tuesday against San Diego if the Mariners.
Brandon Maurer fails to factor into decision
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/17/2013) Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer turned in a decent performance but did not factor into the decision Friday night against the Indians.
Maurer, who made his eighth start of the season, surrendered two runs in the second and gave up a solo home run to Drew Stubbs in the fifth. He was charged with three runs and five hits over six innings of work. He struck out six and walked four in a 6-3 defeat in extras.
Maurer has allowedat least three runs in each of his last three starts since his last win on April 25 against the Angels. He is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday on the road against the Angels. He tossed 6 1/3 scoreless innings in his last start against the Angels.
Brandon Maurer takes another loss
by Adam Moore | CBSSports.com (5/12/2013) Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer had problems keeping the ball in the park Saturday night against the Athletics. Maurer, who made his seventh start, allowed three runs on six hits over five innings in the 4-3 defeat.
Two of the three runs he surrendered came on solo home runs, including Josh Donaldson's solo blast in the second inning.
Maurer (2-5) was pulled after throwing 95 pitches and finished with four strikeouts and two walks. He has allowed three home runs over his last two starts (nine innings).
He is scheduled to make his next start Friday at Cleveland.
Brandon Maurer making next start May 10
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/5/2013) Mariners starter Brandon Maurer should benefit from a nice long layoff between starts, MLB.com reports Sunday. Manager Eric Wedge is hoping the 22-year-old will overcome the rough outing he had April 30 against Baltimore when he next takes the hill May 10 against Oakland.
"We're trying to manage his innings -- and when we have opportunities to do that, we are going to do that," Wedge said. "Just pushing him back."
Maurer gave up six earned runs in each of his first two starts this year before a nice three-start stretch in which he went 2-1 with four runs allowed over 19 innings for an ERA of 1.89 with 13 Ks over that span.
Brandon Maurer struggles out of gate
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/1/2013) Mariners starter Brandon Maurer didn't have it from the beginning Tuesday against the Orioles. But he found it after the first inning.
Maurer gave up a solo homer to Nate McLouth on the fourth pitch he threw. He allowed four first-inning runs and ended up taking the loss to fall to 2-4 on the year.
But Maurerdidn't allow a run after the first. He gave up six hits and walked two over 79 pitches and four innings. He struck out two and his ERA is 6.07.
The 22-year-old seemed to improve as the game went on Tuesday but struggled after he'd gone 8 1/3 shutout innings for a win his last time out against the Angels.
Brandon Maurer still not mixed-league material
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/26/2013)Brandon Maurer has righted the ship quickly after a dreadful first couple starts and, in doing so, has validated why the Mariners gave him a rotation spot in the first place. But just because he'll be sticking around doesn't mean you should rush to add him in Fantasy.
He hasn't contributed much in the way of strikeouts, and he has yet to pitch seven innings in a game. As a 22-year-old making the leap from Double-A after pitching only 137 2/3 innings there last year, he probably won't do much of either.
In AL-only leagues, you can live without that stuff, but a competent mixed-league starting pitcher needs to contribute at least one or the other. If given the choice, I'd take Jeremy Guthrie, Bartolo Colon or even a down-the-road option like Drew Smyly or Dan Straily over Maurer.
Brandon Maurer works scoreless 6 1/3 innings
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/26/2013) Mariners starting pitcher Brandon Maurer pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings against the Angels Thursday to pick up his second win of the season. He allowed seven hits and a walk while striking out six.
It was easily Maurer's best outing to date, giving him three straight quality starts. He takes a 5.61 ERA and 2-3 record into a matchup with the Orioles at home Tuesday.
Brandon Maurer holds Rangers to two hits, both homers
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/20/2013) Mariners starting pitcher Brandon Maurer held the Rangers to two hits in 6 2/3 innings Saturday, but both were solo home runs, giving Maurer the loss and dropping him to 1-3. He struck out two and walked three.
Maurer has two quality starts since surrendering 12 earned runs in 6 2/3 innings to start the season. He's scheduled to face the Angels at home Thursday.
Brandon Maurer earns first win
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/14/2013) Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer picked up the first win of his young career in Sunday's series finale against the Rangers. After posting a 16.20 ERA in his first two starts, the right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits over six innings of work in the 4-3 victory.
Maurer (1-2) gave up an RBI double to Mitch Moreland in the second for the only damage over his first four frames. The 22-year-old got tagged for a two-spot in the fifth.
He also struck out five and walked one while throwing 97 pitches, 61 for strikes.
Maurer will face Texas again in his next start, which is scheduled for Saturday.
Brandon Maurer to remain in rotation
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer will remain in the rotation after his disastrous outing Tuesday, according to the Seattle Times.
"He has great stuff," manager Eric Wedge said. "He’s going to be a good major-league pitcher. He’ll just have to go through some things early on, like most of them do."
Maurer, who owns a 16.20 ERA, will face the Rangers Sunday in his next start.
Brandon Maurer to miss next start?
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) After two rough starts to his major-league career, Mariners manager Eric Wedge deflected questions Tuesday night about rookie hurler Brandon Maurer making his next start Sunday against the Rangers. Wedge instead talked about Maurer's health after the rookie was struck by a line drive in his thigh in the first inning Tuesday, according to The Seattle Times.
"We have to make sure he’s OK first. He got hit pretty good there on that hip. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow," Wedge said. "That’s the first thing I’m concerned about. I want to make sure he’s OK after sleeping on it and coming in tomorrow. You love his arm, you love his stuff. He had a great spring. He deserves to be here."
Maurer has struggled with his pitch location after winning a spot in the rotation this spring. He is 0-2 with a 16.20 ERA and 2.40 WHIP. Maurer said he is "feeling all right" after getting struck by the baseball Tuesday.
"I was struggling a little bit, not making pitches when I need to make pitches, and they came out swinging,’’ he said.
The Times suggests if the Mariners make a change in the rotation, then the top options would be Danny Hultzen or Jeremy Bonderman since Erasmo Ramirez is on the 7-day disabled list in the minors.
Brandon Maurer can't make it out of first
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer struggled in his season debut and could not make it out of the first inning Tuesday night against the Astros.
The right-hander gave up three straight singles to begin the frame before recording his first out. Then Carlos Pena hit a two-run double before J.D. Martinez followed with an RBI single.
Maurer recorded the second out but after getting tagged for three more runs, he was pulled for Kameron Loe.
The 22-year-old ended up allowing six runs on seven hits over two-thirds of an inning. He also struck out two and walked one while taking the loss in a 16-9 defeat.
Maurer (0-2) is scheduled to pitch again on Sunday against the Rangers.
Brandon Maurer looking to settle in
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (4/9/2013) After a rough debut start in the majors, Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer is looking for some improvement during his second outing.
Maurer admitted to being nervous during his first start, but believes he'll be more calm Tuesday. Maurer said, "I got the nerves out a little bit and definitely learned. So I'm looking forward to going out there this time and building off my last start."
Maurer will face the Astros, who have been prone to striking out in their first seven games.
Brandon Maurer tagged for six runs in first start
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/4/2013) Mariners starting pitcher Brandon Maurer was tagged for six earned runs in his first start against the A's Thursday. The damage included eight hits and two two-run home runs but no walks and only one strikeout.
Maurer is lined up to face the Astros, a team that struck out 43 times in its first three games, in his next start.
Week one presenting tough decisions for Fantasy owners
by Joe Polito | CBSSports.com (4/4/2013) You know the names. Guys like Jackie Bradley, Jose Fernandez and Brandon Maurer have Fantasy owners wondering if they’re worth a roster spot.
While Bradley might have gotten his first major-league hit Wednesday night, the latter two have yet to make their major-league debut. So do you give these guys a chance to prove themselves, or do you strike while the iron is hot and scoop up a more proven player?
It’s usually best to find a middle ground between your gut feeling and conventional wisdom. As Scott White advises: Don’t be shy on the waiver wire this time of year but don’t go crazy either. Fantasy owners will get their first look at Maurer Thursday in his MLB debut against Oakland, and Fernandez is set to debut Sunday against the Mets. Both are in the top three most added players even without any MLB experience.
Brandon Maurer set to make major-league debut
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (4/4/2013) Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer will make his first start in the majors Thursday against the Athletics.
Maurer's strong spring training performance won him a spot in the rotation over the more heralded Erasmo Ramirez. Maurer was named the Southern League Pitcher of the Year in Double-A last season, but has never thrown a pitch in Triple-A.
Maurer's first start comes in a favorable park, as CBS Fantasy writer Jack Moore wrote Wednesday. O.co Coliseum has typically played pitcher friendly, suppressing scoring and power. The park also has a large foul ground area that helps aid pitchers. Maurer could be on his way to a decent first performance if he can tame his nerves.
Brandon Maurer faces favorable matchups to open season
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/3/2013)Brandon Maurer ranks as one of the most added players in CBSSports.com Fantasy baseball heading into Wednesday's action, as he's gone from owned in 10 percent of leagues to 37 percent over the past week.
The youngster impressed in Mariners camp and worked his way into the rotation over Erasmo Ramirez. Baseball America called Maurer "yet another pitching prospect with frontline potential," and his fastball-slider combination is appealing. More appealing? Maurer's season begins with the Athletics Thursday -- a team that has mustered six hits in its first two games -- and followed by the Astros -- a team with 28 strikeouts through two games -- his next time around Tuesday.
Maurer's stuff alone made him worth a flyer for Fantasy teams who whiffed on pitching in drafts. His early schedule makes it even easier to give him a pickup and see what he has to offer.
Most added players for opening day
by Joe Polito | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) When the Marlins announced that top pitching prospect Jose Fernandez would be promoted to the majors, the result was a 30 percent increase in ownership -- making him the most added player so far. Fernandez went from being owned in 12 percent of leagues to 42 almost overnight.
Also shooting up the most added list are Mariners starting pitcher Brandon Maurer, who will make his MLB debut Thursday, and Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., whose stellar spring landed him in Boston’s opening day lineup batting eighth. Just behind them are Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu and Cardinals relief pitcher Mitchell Boggs, rounding out the top five.
Brandon Maurer in for rocky debut?
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/31/2013) Mariners rookie pitcher Brandon Maurer is certainly one of the top surprises of the spring. The 2008 23rd-round pick came out of nowhere to win a spot in the team's rotation and will make his MLB debut Thursday opposite A's starting pitcher A.J. Griffin.
Maurer had quite the spring, going 3-1 with a 1.50 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in seven appearances (four starts). He also struck out 25. I have no problem with Fantasy owners taking a flier on a potential sleeper like Maurer, especially since the 22-year-old could just be rounding into form after getting over some injury issues earlier in his career.
Though, I'm not so sure I would stick Maurer (owned 23 percent of leagues) into active lineups for Week 1 (March 31-April 7). His first start will be on the road and against an opponent that has a lot of powerful bats in its lineup. I think there's more to lose than gain by starting Maurer in mixed leagues Week 1.
Brandon Maurer allows two homers in spring finale
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/30/2013) Mariners rookie Brandon Maurer took the hill for his final tune-up of the spring Saturday against the Rockies.
Maurer gave up two solo home runs in the fourth inning. He was charged with two runs and five hits in six innings. He also struck out three and walked one as he finished spring training 3-1 with a 1.50 ERA.
"I was a little uncomfortable and only my slider was working out there today," Maurer said.
The right-hander is expected to open the season Thursday against the A's.
Brandon Maurer named Mariners' fourth starter
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (3/27/2013) After a strong spring, Mariners’ starting pitcher Brandon Maurer has been named the team’s fourth starter. Maurer had a 0.90 ERA over 20 spring innings. Last season, Maurer had a 3.20 ERA over 137 2/3 innings in Double-A.
Erasmo Ramirez out; Brandon Maurer in
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/26/2013) So with Erasmo Ramirez expected to begin the year in the minors, rookie Brandon Maurer takes his place as my young Mariners right-hander to target late. Manager Eric Wedge all but awarded Maurer the fifth spot in the rotation after he threw five shutout innings against the Reds Monday.
"Maurer threw the ball very well against a good group of hitters," Wedge said of Maurer escaping a bases-loaded jam. "Pitching out of that situation isn't something we haven't seen. It reaffirms what we've seen. [He's awesome.]"
OK, so I added that last part, but that's the gist of what Wedge was saying. Maurer's ascension may not yet be official, but that doesn't mean it's not official.
I'm not yet to the point where I'm drafting Maurer in standard mixed leagues. Unlike Ramirez, who impressed in stints last season, he has yet to do anything in the majors. But if he was able to beat Ramirez and Danny Hultzen and James Paxton, all while earning the unspoken admiration of his manager, he bears watching.
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) With Erasmo Ramirez likely headed to the minors, Brandon Maurer looks like a candidate to open the season in the Mariners' rotation.
The 22-year-old has impressed this spring, tossing 20 innings with a 0.90 ERA.
In 137 2/3 innings in Double-A last season, Maurer had a 3.20 ERA and a 20.4 percent strikeout rate.
Brandon Maurer not backing down
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) Mariners starting pitcher Brandon Maurer extended his impressive spring showing, allowing six hits over five scoreless innings in a 16-0 rout of Cincinnati in Cactus League action Monday.
Selected by the Mariners in the 23rd round of the 2008 MLB Draft, the 22-year-old is making a strong case for making the starting rotation. He had seven strikeouts and a walk against a Reds lineup consisting of mostly starters. He lowered his spring ERA to 0.90 over 20 innings.
"We are trying to go all the way through. Part of my discipline is keeping my mind open to the very end," manager Eric Wedge said. "The very end is approaching quickly here. We'll see how the next couple days play out, but it's safe to say we are close to making a decision."
Brandon Maurer solid again for M's
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (3/20/2013) Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer continued to boast his case for a spot on the 25-man roster in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Giants. He allowed one run on three hits over five innings of work. The right-hander also struck out four while not walking a batter.
Maurer has a 1.20 ERA in five appearances this spring with 15 strikeouts in 15 innings.
Seattle prospect Brandon Maurer hanging around
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/18/2013) Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer remains in Seattle spring training camp while many of the other big-time pitching prospects in the organization have been cut, reports MLB.com Monday.
Prospects the likes of Danny Hultzen, Taijuan Walker and James Paxton have been sent to minor league camp, but the 22-year-old Maurer remains. He's never pitched above Double-A, but he made some noise last year after being named the Southern League Pitcher of the Year for Jackson.
"All I know is I just have to go out there and throw well on Tuesday," Maurer said. "That's all I can worry about. I've got to get through five [innings]. That's the approach I've tried to take the whole time. Just worry about myself and not all that other stuff."
Maurer, the No. 6-rated prospect in the organization according to Baseball America, is simply trying to win a roster spot. That said, he is one injury from being in the rotation for the Mariners. He's given up just one run over 10 spring innings with 11 Ks. So far that is more impressive than the projected No. 5 starter Blake Beavan has been. It is definitely better than Jeremy Bonderman has been. Jon Garland has been OK, but only over six innings to this point.
