Seattle Mariners Struggle in Recent Games
The Seattle Mariners are in a challenging stretch as June begins, with a string of losses and mounting injury concerns. On June 2, the Mariners lost 9-3 in 10 innings to the Washington Nationals, a game that slipped away in extra innings when the Nationals scored seven runs off reliever Collin Snider. This set a franchise record for runs in an extra inning and completed a sweep by Washington. The defeat marked the Mariners’ fourth loss in their last five games, shrinking their lead in the AL West to just half a game. The team now faces pressure to rebound and regain momentum in a tight division race.
The Mariners’ offense showed some fight in the June 2 game, with Leody Taveras and Ben Williamson each driving in runs in the seventh inning to tie the game. However, the bullpen could not hold on, and the team was swept by the Nationals. This recent slump has raised concerns about the Mariners’ ability to maintain their position atop the division, especially with key players sidelined.
Injury Updates: Key Players on the Mend
Injuries have played a major role in the Mariners’ recent struggles. On June 3, starting pitcher George Kirby was hit in the face by a 102.7 mph line drive during a game against the Baltimore Orioles. The ball first struck his hand and glove before catching his face, resulting in a bloody lip. Kirby left the game immediately and did not return for the sixth inning. Fortunately, he later issued a positive update, saying he was okay and grateful the ball did not hit more sensitive areas. Kirby’s quick recovery is a relief for the Mariners, who have already been dealing with a thin pitching staff.
Another key pitcher, Logan Gilbert, is nearing a return from injury. Gilbert has been on the injured list since April 26 with a right elbow flexor strain. He made his first rehab start for Triple-A Tacoma on May 29, throwing 45 pitches over 1.2 innings. Gilbert reported that his arm felt good after the outing, and his fastball reached 96.8 mph. He is scheduled for a second rehab start on June 4. If all goes well, Gilbert could rejoin the Mariners’ rotation as soon as next week, possibly during their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Before his injury, Gilbert had a strong start to the 2024 season, posting a 2.37 ERA and 44 strikeouts over 30.1 innings.
The Mariners are also expecting the return of Bryce Miller, who has been out since May 11 with elbow inflammation. Miller is set to start on June 5 against the Minnesota Twins. His return should help stabilize the rotation, which has relied on fill-ins like Emerson Hancock (2-2, 5.64 ERA) during the absence of key starters.
Lineup Changes and Player Availability
The Mariners’ lineup has seen several changes due to injuries. Cole Young, a promising young player, is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury. As of June 3, there was no official word on whether Young would be available for the game against the Orioles. The team has had to adjust its lineup to compensate for his absence, which has affected both their offense and defense.
Another star, Julio Rodriguez, is also facing questions about his availability. Reports on June 3 indicated uncertainty about whether Rodriguez would play against Baltimore due to an unspecified injury. The Mariners have not provided specific details about his condition, but his status is being closely watched by fans and analysts. Rodriguez’s presence in the lineup is crucial for the Mariners’ offense, and his absence could have a significant impact on the team’s performance.
Recent Game Results and Upcoming Schedule
The Mariners’ recent struggles have been highlighted by their losses to both the Nationals and the Orioles. On June 3, they lost 5-1 to Baltimore after Kirby’s early exit. Eduard Bazardo replaced Kirby and allowed another run in the sixth inning. The Mariners will face the Orioles again on June 4, with Hancock starting for Seattle and Cade Povich (1-4, 5.29 ERA) starting for Baltimore. The team is hoping to snap its losing streak and regain momentum in the AL West race.
Looking ahead, the Mariners will open a series against the Twins on June 4, with Bryan Woo scheduled to start the opener. Woo has been a bright spot in the rotation, helping to fill gaps left by injuries. The return of Miller and the expected return of Gilbert should give the Mariners a much-needed boost as they try to stay atop the division.
Other News: Franchise Milestones and Player Highlights
Despite the recent slump, there have been some positive moments for the Mariners. Cal Raleigh is currently on a historic hot streak at the plate, providing much-needed offense during a difficult stretch. June 2 also marked the anniversary of Ken Griffey Jr. being selected No. 1 overall by Seattle in 1987, a reminder of the franchise’s storied history.
In other news, the Mariners announced that Randy Johnson’s No. 51 jersey will be retired in 2026, making it just the fifth number retired in team history. The announcement was discussed in a recent episode of the “Refuse to Lose” podcast, which also featured comments from Johnson and Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch about Ichiro Suzuki’s upcoming induction into Cooperstown.
Looking Forward: Mariners Aim to Rebound
The Mariners are facing a critical stretch as they try to overcome injuries and end their losing streak. The return of key pitchers like Gilbert and Miller should help stabilize the team, while the health of stars like Rodriguez and Young remains a top concern. With the AL West race tightening, every game will be important as the Mariners look to regain their early-season form and make a push for the playoffs.
Fans can expect more updates in the coming days as the Mariners’ roster continues to evolve. The team’s ability to adapt to injuries and get contributions from both veterans and young players will be key to their success. As the season moves forward, the Mariners’ resilience and depth will be tested, but the return of key players offers hope for a turnaround.