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Auburn Riverside’s Rucker returns home to pitch for Mariners

Michael Rucker, 32, is now a mainstay in the Seattle Mariners bullpen after signing a minor league contract on Jan. 8, fulfilling his childhood dream of pitching for his hometown team.
Following Tommy John surgery in October 2024, Rucker spent the 2025 season recovering at Driveline in Kent, where he connected with Mariners director of pitching Chris Young, creating the path back.
A Washington resident since age 8 who played for Diamond Sports, Rucker made his T-Mobile Park debut on June 17, calling it a 'full circle moment' to pitch at home in the Mariners colors.
Before his June 11 call-up, Rucker threw in 22 games for the Tacoma Rainiers; as of July 20, he has made 13 appearances for the Mariners this season.
Rucker said he is 'playing with house money' now, motivated by his goal of holding his newborn son on a big league field after games, making the comeback journey complete.

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