Recent Performance and Playoff Hopes
The Seattle Mariners have had a mixed performance recently. They managed to salvage a four-game split against the Oakland Athletics with wins on Wednesday and Thursday. However, they missed an opportunity to gain ground in the playoff race over the past week. The Mariners went 3-4 in their last two series against the Los Angeles Angels and the Athletics, both of whom have some of the worst records in MLB. All four losses were by a single run, including three walk-offs.
Current Playoff Race
As of now, the Mariners hold a 71-70 record and are within 4.5 games of the first-place Houston Astros (75-65) in the AL West. The Astros were recently swept by the Cincinnati Reds, with former Mariner Ty France playing a key role by going 9 for 11 in the series, including a decisive home run. This has kept the Mariners’ playoff hopes alive.
AL Wild Card Race
In the AL Wild Card race, the Mariners are five games behind the Kansas City Royals for the final wild-card spot and 5.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins for the second spot. They are half a game ahead of the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers, and 1.5 games ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays. This tight race means every game is crucial for the Mariners.
Playoff Odds
According to Fangraphs, the Mariners have a 9.4% chance of reaching the playoffs. Their odds of winning the AL West are at 5.5%, while their chances of earning a wild-card spot are at 3.8%. These odds highlight the uphill battle the Mariners face in their quest for postseason play.
Remaining Schedule
The Mariners have a tough road ahead. Their opponents over the final 21 games have a combined win percentage of .506, making it the fourth-toughest remaining schedule in the AL according to Tankathon. In comparison, Kansas City has the third-toughest (.509), Minnesota the sixth-toughest (.498), and Houston the seventh-toughest (.492).
Upcoming Games
The Mariners will close out their road trip with a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals (71-69). Meanwhile, the Astros will face the Arizona Diamondbacks (79-62). This series will be crucial for the Mariners as they look to stay in the playoff hunt.
Key Stretch Ahead
The Astros have an easier stretch with ten out of their next thirteen games against the Athletics or Angels. On the other hand, the Mariners will face tougher opponents like the San Diego Padres (80-61), the New York Yankees (80-60), and the Texas Rangers (67-73). This challenging schedule will test the Mariners’ resilience and determination.
Critical Series
If the Mariners can stay within striking distance, they will have a chance to control their fate when they host the Astros for a three-game series from September 23 to 25. Following this, they have a favorable closing series against the Athletics, while the Astros will face the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians (80-60).
Injury Updates
The Mariners have also been dealing with several injuries. Yimi García is out with right elbow inflammation and is expected to return in September. Gregory Santos is dealing with right biceps inflammation, and there is no timeline for his return. Matt Brash underwent Tommy John surgery and is expected to return in June 2025. Sam Haggerty tore his right Achilles and is also expected to return in May 2025. Jackson Kowar had right UCL surgery and is out for the season.
Minor League Injuries
In the minor leagues, Felni Celesten underwent season-ending left hamate surgery. He is expected to begin baseball activities in early September. Teddy McGraw is experiencing arm tightness and is slated to meet with Dr. Keith Meister at the end of August. He has undergone Tommy John surgery twice, creating elevated concern.
Additional Notes
Articles discussing various aspects of the Mariners include offseason decisions, recent performance metrics, managerial changes, and player highlights like Julio Rodríguez‘s potential impact. Strategies to improve the offense are also a topic of discussion. The Mariners’ journey to the playoffs will require overcoming significant challenges, but their recent performances show they have the potential to make a strong push.
In summary, the Seattle Mariners are in a critical phase of their season. With a tough schedule ahead and several key players injured, the team will need to dig deep to keep their playoff hopes alive. Fans will be watching closely as the Mariners navigate this challenging stretch.
