THE FRONT ROW with JASON ELLIOTT: Mariners are well worth the ride; just be patient

Once upon a time, not so long ago, when the Seattle Mariners' ace pitcher took the mound, as a fan in the stands, you knew that anything could — and might happen — on that given day.

Yeah, Sunday was almost that day for Luis Castillo.

SUNDAY’S GAME reminded me a lot of my first trip to then-Safeco Field, when Felix Hernandez made an opening day start against the Oakland Athletics in 2007.

On that Monday afternoon, Hernandez struck out 12 and allowed three hits in a 4-0 win over the A’s.

Like a lot of Felix’s starts in Seattle, the win nearly didn’t happen. The game was only saved by a Richie Sexson three-run home run in the sixth inning on that day.

So back to Sunday, where Castillo was perfect through six innings and looked nearly unhittable from the left field bleachers.

Then, just as quickly, he was again.

Colorado’s Jurickson Profar — the former Spokane Indian great — and Kris Bryant had back-to-back hits, the only two in 1-0 Mariner win.

Things happen, and fortunately for Seattle a Jarred Kelenic RBI single actually happened, or it was looking like neither team was going to put a run on the scoreboard that day.

Again, not so long ago, Felix was must-see television.

The crowd was into the games each time he stepped on the mound, from the time he walked out of the bullpen to when he’d leave the field.

Castillo, though his time in Seattle has been short, is reaching that level.

Through four starts, Castillo, who Seattle very wisely signed to a multi-year deal after trading for him last year, has yet to allow an earned run.

Definitely something to keep an eye on as he takes the mound again tonight against the St. Louis Cardinals at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

THINGS HAVEN’T started as well as some folks expected this year for the Mariners.

Well, anyone to be honest.

But the team, which is still well within the mix in the American League West, was 11-10 in April last year. Seattle entered Friday’s game against St. Louis with an 8-11 record after being swept by Milwaukee at home in its last series.

Not exactly the results you’d hoped to see, but still plenty of time for improvement.

In 2022, Seattle went 10-17 in the month of May and it sure seemed like the playoff drought was well on the way to continuing another year.

We all know that’s not how things finished.

Chances are, Houston won’t run away with the division title this year as long as Jose Altuve is still out after getting hit by a pitch during the World Baseball Classic.

Texas is without starting shortstop Corey Seager as well for an extended period of time with a strained hamstring.

Oakland is in the midst of leaving town for Las Vegas, and hasn’t exactly started the season on fire either with a 3-16 start following another loss on Wednesday.

Should Seattle still be slumping and showing no signs of snapping out of it by the All-Star Game in July, also at T-Mobile Park, maybe someone should hit the panic button.

It’s a long season.

Just enjoy the ride while you’re on it.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for The Press. He can be reached by telephone at 208-664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at jelliott@cdapress.com. Follow him on Twitter @JECdAPress.