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.
Stripers in Spring Training Update: March 17
The Atlanta Braves have wrapped up eight more spring training games in addition to the highly anticipated Spring Breakout Game against Detroit. Atlanta came away with just a pair of wins during the week, but many former and potential Stripers got the chance for additional reps. Here’s an overview of
Stripers in Spring Training Update: March 10
The second week of Spring Training saw the Atlanta Braves win just one of six games while tying twice, bringing its overall record to 7-5 in Grapefruit League play. Many former and future Gwinnett Stripers have had the chance to play for the big-league club. Here’s an overview of who’s
Stripers Alums Mejia, Waddell Selected to Braves' Spring Breakout Roster
Major League Baseball announced today the rosters for its 2025 Spring Breakout, the second-annual Spring Training showcase of top prospects from all 30 big-league organizations. The Atlanta Braves' 24-player roster for their March 16 Spring Breakout game includes a pair of Gwinnett Stripers alums, pitcher Ian Mejia and infielder Luke
Gwinnett Stripers Announce 2025 Promotions Schedule
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers announced today their Promotions Schedule for 2025, the team’s 16th season at Coolray Field. The full calendar of giveaways, fireworks shows, theme nights, special appearances, and weekly promotions awaiting fans can be viewed now at GoStripers.com/promotions. This year’s slate of giveaways is highlighted by
Stripers Unite Braves Country for Coca-Cola® Preseason Party on March 2
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – All levels of Braves Country will unite at Coolray Field on Sunday, March 2 as the Gwinnett Stripers host the annual Coca-Cola® Preseason Party. The Stripers will welcome the mascots and promotions teams of the Atlanta Braves, Columbus Clingstones (Double-A), Rome Emperors (High-A), and Augusta GreenJackets (Class-A)
Atlanta Braves Announce Gwinnett Stripers’ 2025 Coaching Staff
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Atlanta Braves announced today their minor league coaching staffs for the 2025 season. The Gwinnett Stripers will be led by manager Kanekoa Texeira (2nd season), pitching coach Wes McGuire (1st season), bullpen coach Craig Bjornson (2nd season, 1st since 2023), hitting coach Dan DeMent (2nd season),
Gwinnett Stripers Now Hiring Gameday Staff for 2025
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers are now accepting applications for gameday staff for the 2025 season. Online applications can be submitted now at GoStripers.com/jobs, and an in-person Job Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Suite Lounge at Coolray Field. Individuals
Gwinnett Stripers and Chopper the Groundhog Announce Groundhog Day Celebration for February 2
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In honor of Chopper the Groundhog – the only groundhog mascot in professional sports – the Gwinnett Stripers are planning a full and festive day on Sunday, February 2 that includes the launch of single-game ticket sales for the first half of the 2025 season. Chopper will
Gwinnett Stripers, Gray Media Partner for 30-Game Broadcast Schedule on Peachtree Sports Network
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Following the successful launch of a 13-game broadcast schedule in 2024, the Gwinnett Stripers have announced a continuation and expansion of their partnership with Gray Media to air select home games on Peachtree Sports Network (PSN) during the 2025 season. The Stripers, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta
Gwinnett Stripers Celebrate Holiday Season with New Holiday Packs
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Just in time for last-minute holiday shoppers, the Gwinnett Stripers have rolled out one of the most affordable options for any sports fan. Put the excitement of live baseball in your stocking with a Stripers Holiday Pack, on sale now through December 31. Each Holiday Pack includes:
Gwinnett Stripers’ Veterans Pack Available November 8-11
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In observance of Veterans Day, the Gwinnett Stripers have announced the return of the Veterans Pack for the 2025 season. Veterans Packs are available to all service members and their dependents and may be purchased online at GoStripers.com. Packs are on sale for a limited time only,
Gwinnett Stripers Partnering with The Salvation Army for Non-Perishable Food Drive During “Flick or Treat” on October 26
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County, will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items during the team’s annual “Flick or Treat” event (presented by Century Communities) at Coolray Field from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday, October 26. Attendees are encouraged to bring
Gwinnett Stripers’ Bryce Elder Selected to 2024 International League All-Star Team
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB) announced today the league awards and All-Star teams for both Triple-A leagues, the International League and the Pacific Coast League. Gwinnett Stripers right-hander Bryce Elder was selected to the 2024 International League All-Star Team as one of four Starting Pitchers. The 25-year-old Elder
2024 Gwinnett Stripers: Year in Review
The 15th season of Triple-A baseball in Gwinnett County has officially concluded with the Gwinnett Stripers finishing the 2024 campaign with a 72-78 record. Although the Stripers were unable to secure a Triple-A championship, they played an indispensable role for the Atlanta Braves as the parent club navigated a challenging
Stripers Stifled 5-1 in Season Finale at Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – A.J. Smith-Shawver struck out 10 batters over 6.0 innings but also yielded four home runs as the Gwinnett Stripers (72-78) finished the 2024 season with a 5-1 loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (73-76) on Sunday afternoon at 121 Financial Ballpark. Decisive Plays: Dane Myers hit solo
Four-Run Second Sinks Elder, Stripers in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (72-76) struck for four runs on five hits in the second inning against Bryce Elder and rode that frame to a 5-3 win over the Gwinnett Stripers (72-77) on Saturday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. Bennett Hostetler homered and drove in three for
Missed Opportunities Cost Stripers in 3-2 Loss to Jumbo Shrimp
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Luke Williams homered and Drue Hackenberg tossed 5.2 one-run innings, but the Gwinnett Stripers (72-76) went 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position in a 3-2 loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (71-76) on Friday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. Jacksonville scored its three runs on a wild
Stripers Ride Six-Run First Inning to 9-4 Triumph in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Luis Liberato launched a three-run home run to cap a six-run first inning and Luke Waddell lined a two-run single in the ninth to put the game away as the Gwinnett Stripers (72-75) earned a wire-to-wire 9-4 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (70-76) on Thursday night
Stripers Lose 7-3 in Jacksonville Despite Anderson’s Quality Start
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Ian Anderson struck out five over 6.0 one-run innings for the Gwinnett Stripers (71-75) on Wednesday night, but the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (70-75) scored six runs off the bullpen to win 7-3 at 121 Financial Ballpark. The final series of the year is tied at 1-1. Decisive
Albies Belts Three-Run Homer as Stripers Slip Past Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Beginning a rehab assignment for the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, Ozzie Albies went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run to lead the Gwinnett Stripers (71-74) to a 4-3 victory over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (69-75) at 121 Financial Ballpark. Decisive Plays: The game remained scoreless until the
Stripers' Offense Reemerges to Back Smith-Shawver's Quality Start in 6-2 Win Over Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Atlanta Braves No. 2 prospect AJ Smith-Shawver turned in a sparkling start for the Gwinnett Stripers (35-34) to set the stage for an offensive resurgence to close the curtain on Coolray Field this season with a 6-2 win over the Buffalo Bisons (30-38) on Sunday afternoon at
Stripers' Offense Out of Rhythm Again in 4-1 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – The Gwinnett Stripers (34-34) were once again stymied offensively by the Buffalo Bisons (30-37) in a 4-1 loss on Saturday night at Coolray Field. Gwinnett has lost four-straight games. Decisive Plays: The Stripers scored first on an RBI sacrifice fly by Luke Williams in the third inning.
Offensive Woes Continue in 3-1 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Bryce Elder opened with 5.0 scoreless innings, but the Gwinnett Stripers (34-33) did not score until the ninth inning in a frustrating 3-1 loss to the Buffalo Bisons (29-37) on Friday night at Coolray Field. Decisive Plays: Buffalo broke through in the sixth inning on an RBI
Home Runs by Baldwin, Martinez Not Enough to Back Hackenberg in 3-2 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Atlanta Braves' No. 9 prospect Drue Hackenberg turned in his third-straight quality start but received little run support as the Gwinnett Stripers (34-32) only managed solo home runs from Drake Baldwin and J.P. Martinez in a 3-2 to the Buffalo Bisons (28-37) on Thursday night at Coolray
Stripers Run Out of Extra-Inning Magic in 6-3 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – The Gwinnett Stripers (34-31) overcame a 3-1 deficit in the bottom of the 10th inning but were eventually put away after a three-run 11th frame from the Buffalo Bisons (27-37) in a 6-3 loss on Wednesday afternoon at Coolray Field. Decisive Plays: After three scoreless innings opened