Switch-pitcher Cijntje deals from both sides in Spring Breakout
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Jurrangelo Cijntje knew who’d be waiting for him in the batter’s box when he emerged from the visiting bullpen on Friday evening. The Mariners’ switch-pitcher had seen Guardians infielder Travis Bazzana recently at a card-signing event, to which they each joked, “I’m going to see you soon,”
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Jurrangelo Cijntje knew who’d be waiting for him in the batter’s box when he emerged from the visiting bullpen on Friday evening.
The Mariners’ switch-pitcher had seen Guardians infielder Travis Bazzana recently at a card-signing event, to which they each joked, “I’m going to see you soon,” knowing the likelihood of what eventually took place during MLB Spring Breakout at Goodyear Ballpark.
Pitching in his first true game-like environment since being selected in the first round of last summer’s MLB Draft, Cijntje knew that he’d be called upon Friday after lefty Brandyn Garcia. But he wasn’t quite sure he’d match up against Bazzana, who was taken 14 picks ahead of him at No. 1 overall and was batting in the No. 2 hole.
Sometimes in baseball, the stars align.
Cijntje, who was seen warming in the bullpen with both arms before Garcia worked out of a fourth-inning jam, opted to go left-on-left against Bazzana to start the fifth, inducing a hard-chopping groundout to shortstop Brock Rodden on the first pitch. Cijntje then flipped his glove over and pitched right-handed the rest of the way -- even against seven more left-handed hitters.
“There was a lot of adrenaline," said Cijntje, who is the Mariners’ No. 9 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. “I couldn’t even control my body, but I fought through it.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Fate brought Bazzana back to the batter’s box for Cijntje’s final at-bat of the night, which was even more fascinating.
Cijntje took off his glove between batters as if he was going to go lefty to Bazzana, as he did the first time, but he surprised most when he instead remained righty. Cijntje then blew a 97 mph elevated four-seam fastball by Bazzana for a swinging strike three in a punctuating conclusion to his night.
“That's something special,” said Bazzana, Cleveland’s No. 1 prospect and the No. 10 overall prospect in the game. “You don't really see that ever. I think he's got a bright future, and it was cool to battle.”
You don't see this every day. #SpringBreakout pic.twitter.com/BC6QmG43JR
— Mariners Player Development (@MsPlayerDev) March 15, 2025
So, Cijntje’s first pitch of the outing was also his final from the left side, given that Bazzana swung and made contact right away, while his 39 other pitches over two innings were thrown right-handed. In total, he surrendered one unearned run on two hits and two walks with two strikeouts.
“I was already in a rhythm, and I was like, ‘I'm going to keep throwing from my right side,” Cijntje said.
There was also awe from his teammates.
“Dude, stop it,” said Mariners No. 12 prospect Tai Peete, who went 3-for-3 with a 422-foot homer and a stolen base while playing center field. “I thought it was funny when he switched on the mound and everyone started cheering.”
The decision-making calculus for Cijntje to go right vs. left on Friday hinted at how the Mariners will leverage his ambidextrous skill set as he embarks on his player-development path.
Seattle intends to develop Cijntje as a right-handed starter, which is his better pitching arm and possesses a denser arsenal that features a higher-velocity four-seamer, slider, cutter and changeup. But the Mariners also don’t want to sacrifice his lefty skill, because there is plus potential from that side, where he’s up to 93 mph with a sinker/slider combo.
“It's going to be development-based more than matchup-based,” Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said. “Obviously, you want to put him in positions to succeed, and I don't think we want to put him in positions where he's pitching to a lot of right-handed hitters left-handed. But I do think we're all in alignment that he needs to develop right-handed to work against the platoon matchup. It can't be every left-handed hitter that comes up.”
There will be expected fluidity to Cijntje’s routine.
The early plan is for him to start righty, and he may pitch left-on-left within that start but probably not all of them. Then in his in-between side session, which would come three days later, he’d do so right-handed, then pitch an inning in relief while left-handed in whatever game falls on that same day.
“There is not a blueprint here at all,” Hollander said. “We want to be honest. We don't want to talk confidently about how we definitely know the right answer here, because we definitely don't know the right answer. And I'm sure we'll have to make adjustments along the way.”
The Mariners have an idea of which Minor League affiliate that Cijntje will begin the season with, but they haven’t yet told him. His goal is to reach Double-A Arkansas by season’s end.
There will certainly be learning curves along the way, but his fascinating path to the Majors got started in a Breakout way on Friday night.
Daniel Kramer covers the Mariners for MLB.com.
Sky Carp well-represented in Spring Breakout
BELOIT—The Sky Carp will have seven alumni featured for the Miami Marlins in the annual Spring Breakout game. The Marlins squad will take on the St. Louis Cardinals top prospects on Friday, March 14 at 11:05 a.m. Four Sky Carp pitchers made the roster: Noble Meyer (2024 Sky Carp), Karson
Border Brouhaha Softball Slam Featuring Football Legend Mason Crosby
BELOIT, WI– The Sky Carp, in collaboration with Green Bay Packers legend Mason Crosby and TEAM LAMMI, are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Border Brouhaha Softball Slam, a spirited charity softball game set to take place on July 27 at the picturesque ABC Supply Stadium. This exciting event will
Sky Carp release single-game tickets
BELOIT—Families can officially make their spring and summer plans today as the Sky Carp’s single-game tickets go on sale. The team has an exciting summer promotional schedule, offering the first chance to secure premium tickets! Families can enjoy returning favorites and new events that will engage all ages. We anticipate
Sky Carp announce 2025 field staff
BELOIT -- The Sky Carp, in conjunction with the Miami Marlins, are excited to announce their 2025 coaching staff, led by manager Angel Espada. Espada is no stranger to Sky Carp fans, as he served as the defensive coach for the 2024 Sky Carp. He is among the Marlins’ longest-tenured
Sky Carp to give away tickets to Marlins Fanfest
BELOIT WI– The Sky Carp, High-A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins, are excited to offer four fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a VIP experience at the Miami Marlins Fan Fest, taking place at loanDepot Park on Saturday, February 8. To enter the contest, participants must reside within a 60-mile
Sky Carp to host Rudy Ruettiger
BELOIT, WI – The Sky Carp proudly announces that Rudy Ruettiger is coming to town! Rudy Ruettiger, the inspiration for the iconic movie ‘Rudy’, will be in Beloit on Thursday, April 3, as part of the Beloit International Film Festival. There will be a showing of the film in the
Sky Carp get into the swing with golf simulator
BELOIT, WI – The Beloit Sky Carp have added another exciting element to state-of-the-art ABC Supply Stadium: A brand new golf simulator. The simulator, which is available to the public for rent, is housed in the Beloit Health System Club, where it is accessible year-round for those Stateline area golfing
Quint and Rishy Studer provide holiday surprise to SFOC employees
BELOIT – Quint and Rishy Studer have provided each full-time and part-time employee of the Studer Family of Companies, Center for Civic Engagement and Studer Community Institute a gift of $1,000 in advance of the holiday season. “Rishy and I see how inflation impacts individuals and families,” said Quint Studer
Sky Carp announce Supper Clubbers identity
BELOIT, WI –There are few things that say ‘Wisconsin’ more clearly than a traditional supper club. The cozy atmosphere. The menu staples like the prime rib, relish tray and Friday fish fry. And the feeling of a sense of belonging. Sky Carp fans get many of those same sensations while
Joe Mack wins Gold Glove Award
BELOIT, WI – Minor League Baseball and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., today announced the nine recipients of the 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award for defensive excellence, including the recognition of catcher Joe Mack, who began the season with the Beloit Sky Carp before moving on to Pensacola, as one
E.R.As Night II is here!
BELOIT—Sky Carp fans spoke. OK, shrieked. Screamed. Sang. Whatever it was, the demand was clear: We Want Another E.R.A.s Night! At ABC Supply Stadium on Thursday, August 29 at 6:35 p.m. fans will once again have the opportunity to win TWO TICKETS to Taylor’s incredible show at Lucas Oil Field
Sky Carp release 2025 home schedule
BELOIT – The Sky Carp announced the home schedule for their upcoming 2025 season on Friday, featuring 66 total games against eight different opponents in the Midwest League. The Sky Carp will begin their 44th season in Beloit and fourth full season at ABC Supply Stadium on Friday, April 4
Sky Carp-Lugnuts postponed
BELOIT —Saturday night’s game between the Sky Carp and the Lugnuts has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader between the two teams beginning at 12:05 on Sunday. Gates will be opening at 11:30 a.m. Tickets for Saturday’s game can
Sellout crowd sees Captains defeat Sky Carp
BELOIT – A standing-room only crowd on ERAs Night at ABC Supply Stadium witnessed the Captains beat the Sky Carp 5-3 Saturday night. The crowd jammed to Taylor Swift songs all night, participated in T-Swift Trivia and marked the end of the game with fantastic fireworks show. The Captains jumped
Sky Carp-Captains rained out
BELOIT – Tuesday night’s game between the Sky Carp and the Captains was postponed due to rain following Tuesday’s deluge. The two teams will make the game up as part of a doubleheader beginning Thursday at 4 p.m. The doubleheader will feature two seven-inning games. Tickets for tonight’s game can
E.R.A.s Night comes to ABC Supply Stadium
BELOIT—The Taylor Takeover has arrived! E.R.A.s Night will be held on Saturday, June 8 at ABC Supply Stadium, and much like Taylor Swift’s latest single, it’s a guaranteed hit! Only 100 seats remain for E.R.A.s night presented by Walnut Creek Apparel & Gifts. The big prize of the night? That’s
Sky Carp split doubleheader
BELOIT – The Sky Carp split a doubleheader with the Dayton Dragons Wednesday night at ABC Supply Stadium. The Sky Carp took game one 6-5 in 12 innings, while the Dragons bounced back for a 2-0 victory in game two. Jake Thompson’s RBI grounder in the 12th secured the victory
Late run secures 5-4 win for Sky Carp
MIDLAND, Mich.- After a couple of heartbreaking late defeats, the Sky Carp bounced back with a dramatic win of their own Friday night. It took 10 innings, but the Carp took down the Loons 5-4 to even the series at two games each heading into the weekend. A wild pitch
Tuesday night's game postponed
BELOIT – Tuesday night’s game between the Sky Carp and the Chiefs was postponed due to field conditions following Tuesday’s deluge. The two teams will make the game up as part of a doubleheader beginning Wednesday at 4:05 p. m. The doubleheader will feature two seven-inning games. Tickets for tonight’s
Dino Night comes back to ABC Supply Stadium
BELOIT—One of the most popular promotions in recent Beloit Sky Carp history is back! Dino Night, sponsored by Regal-Rexnord, will be the featured promotion at ABC Supply Stadium on Saturday, June 1. While the Sky Carp are taking on the Dayton Dragons on the field, we will have plenty of
Sky Carp bounce back for 6-5 win
BELOIT—The Sky Carp entertained a tremendous Education Day crowd of 1,839 by taking down the River Bandits 6-5 Wednesday afternoon. Jake Thompson hit a three-run home run, Emmett Olson continued his streak of scoreless baseball and the Sky Carp held off a late rally to even the series at one
Offensive explosion triggers Sky Carp past Cubs
PEORIA, Ill.—Just one day after the Sky Carp exploded for 11 runs against South Bend, the team had plenty left for an encore presentation Wednesday afternoon. The Sky Carp pounded the Cubs 19-4 in an incredible display of offensive might. The team finished the game 18 hits, including six home
The Supper Clubbers debut on What Could Have Been Night
BELOIT—A Wisconsin tradition. A true ‘What could have been moment.’ A memorable night at the ballpark. The Wisconsin Supper Clubbers will take to the diamond on Friday, July 12, as What Could Have Been Night comes to the ballpark. ABC Supply Stadium will transform into the home of the Supper
Sky Carp suffer first defeat of season
PEORIA, Ill.—The Beloit Sky Carp late-inning magic came up short on Tuesday night. The Sky Carp suffered their first defeat of the season, a 5-3 decision to the Peoria Chiefs. Beloit trailed 4-0 when Osiris Johnson cracked his first home run of the season, a two-run blast that plated Torin
Sky Carp-Kernels postponed
BELOIT—Sunday’s scheduled game with the Cedar Rapids Kernels has been postponed due to inclement weather. Because the Kernels do not return to Beloit during the season’s first half, the game will be made up as part of a doubleheader in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, April 27. Game one is scheduled