A Debut Steeped in Symmetry

The Seattle Mariners have selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson from Double-A Arkansas, and he is set to make his major-league debut against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. The 22-year-old, who was the third-overall selection in last year’s draft, arrives after a dominant 18-start run at Double-A, where he compiled a 1.06 ERA, a 0.64 WHIP, and a 135-to-13 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 93 1/3 innings in his professional debut.

But Anderson’s promotion carries an extra layer of intrigue: he will wear No. 13, a number with a long and complicated history in Seattle. As reported by Sports Illustrated, the number has been worn by 18 individual Mariners before Anderson, making him the 19th. He will be the sixth pitcher to wear it, and the first left-handed starter to do so since Jeff Fassero’s final Seattle season in 1999.

A Number with a Mixed Legacy

The history of No. 13 in Seattle is a tale of highs and lows. Omar Vizquel wore it from 1989 through 1993, peaking with his first Gold Glove in 1993. Jeff Fassero gave it credibility during a standout 1997 season, when he went 16-9 with a 3.61 ERA and 189 strikeouts over 234 1/3 innings, started on Opening Day, and delivered eight innings in Seattle’s only ALDS victory that year.

Not all wearers found such success. Bobby Ayala posted a 2.86 ERA with 18 saves in 1994, but his ERA climbed to 4.44 in 1995 and 5.88 in 1996. Dustin Ackley, selected second overall in 2009, slashed .273/.348/.417 in his first 90 games but spent five seasons wearing No. 13 before being traded to the Yankees.

Abraham Toro wore the number in 2021 and 2022, arriving from Houston in the trade that sent Kendall Graveman and Rafael Montero to the Astros. Toro’s tenure included a grand slam off Graveman, adding another layer to the number’s lore. Other No. 13 wearers include Dick Pole, Iván Calderón, Ben Davis, Casey Kotchman, Nate Karns, and Jacob Nottingham.

A Collection of 13s

Sports Illustrated highlights a series of coincidences tied to Anderson and the number 13. The Mariners drafted him on July 13, 2025. He finished his first professional season with exactly 13 walks. He held opponents scoreless in 13 of his 18 Double-A starts. His 135 strikeouts over 93 1/3 innings equate to a 13 K/9. And, of course, he will make his debut wearing No. 13.

These connections have led to speculation that the number now feels more like destiny for Anderson, who went 10-1 with a 1.06 ERA, 135 strikeouts, and only 13 walks for Double-A Arkansas. Opponents hit .147 against him, and he allowed four home runs all season.

Roster Moves and Other Notes

To make room for Anderson on the roster, the Mariners designated left-handed pitcher Jhonathan Díaz for assignment, as reported by NBC Sports. Díaz allowed one run over 1 1/3 innings during his lone appearance for Seattle earlier this week.

In other news from around the league, NBC Sports also noted that CJ Abrams (ankle) and Andrés Giménez (hamstring) remain out of their respective lineups. The Blue Jays activated first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from the concussion injured list, and the Marlins recalled Deyvison De Los Santos from Triple-A Jacksonville. The Dodgers are calling up center fielder Alek Thomas, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, and Andy Pages is set to miss 4-5 weeks with a fractured hand.

As Anderson prepares to take the mound, the Mariners and their fans will be watching to see if the number 13 finally finds a true owner in Seattle.