Mariners manager: 'We have to get better efforts from our starters'

The Seattle Mariners' biggest strength has been their weakest link to start the season. 

On paper, the Mariners' rotation is arguably the best in the American League, though they've failed to resemble that through the first two weeks of the season as they boast a combined 6.43 ERA - the worst mark in the majors. 

"If you're asking me if I'm concerned with our starting pitching, yes. We've got to get better," manager Lloyd McClendon told Greg Johns of MLB.com. "We've got to get deeper into ballgames.

"We've got a real good bullpen, but they won't be worth a darn if we keep running 'em out there. We have to get better efforts from our starters."

After being swept in a three-game series by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Mariners' rotation should find some relief when they host the light-hitting Texas Rangers followed by the Houston Astros starting Friday. Both teams rank 28th and 30th respectively in team batting average.