Mariners' ambidextrous pitching prospect Cijntje makes fourth start

At Funko Field, fans typically come for the baseball and stay for the fireworks. But when Jurrangelo Cijntje takes the mound, the fireworks start a little earlier.

The Mariners¡¯ No. 9 prospect -- and one of the few true switch-pitchers in professional baseball history -- showcased his rare ability Saturday night for High-A Everett, even as he navigated his most challenging start of the season. Cijntje allowed three runs across four innings in the AquaSox¡¯s 10-1 loss to Vancouver, walking three and striking out three.

The night began with a flash. Working right-handed, Cijntje struck out Adrian Pinto (Blue Jays No. 22 prospect) on three pitches to open the game, reaching 96 mph.

Later in the second inning, he made his first switch of the night, flipping to the left side to face left-handed-hitting Je¡¯Von Ward. The decision stood out: Ward entered the game hitting just .100 against right-handers -- with his only hit a home run -- but .286 against lefties. Cijntje stayed committed to the lefty-lefty matchup and induced a groundout.

The outing wasn¡¯t without bumps. Cijntje issued three two-out walks, one of which preceded a three-run homer by lefty Sean Keys (Blue Jays No. 19 prospect) in the third inning while Cijntje was pitching right-handed. It marked the first time in his pro career that the 21-year-old couldn¡¯t fully limit damage in a start, raising his ERA to 4.76 across 17 innings at High-A.

Through his first four professional starts (he's also made three lefty-only mid-week relief appearances), Cijntje has allowed four earned runs in 15 1/3 innings while striking out 19 and walking nine. True to the Mariners' developmental plan, he leaned heavily on his right arm again Saturday, facing 18 batters right-handed and three left-handed.

Cijntje¡¯s ability to switch arms between batters continues to turn heads. Nights like Saturday offer a reminder of how difficult switch-pitching -- and the game planning behind it -- remains. But ultimately, the destination remains one of baseball¡¯s most fascinating stories.