Miranda adds slider in hopes for rotation spot

Miranda's 1st-inning K PEORIA, Ariz. -- Mariners pitcher Ariel Miranda is certain the little things he's been working on this spring will make a big difference in 2018.

The left-hander, who is competing for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, has reintroduced the slider to his repertoire and has been working on fine-tuning the grip. He'll get a chance to show off his stuff when he takes the mound Thursday against the A's.

"I started working on the slider last year and it worked well," Miranda said in Spanish. "I mean, I always had it, but I didn't throw it very much because in Cuba, you don't throw it or need it. It was just fastball and changeup. You can't do that here in the Major…