After an impressive sweep of the Mets last weekend, the Seattle Mariners embarked on a nine-game road trip that seemed promising, with two winnable series on the horizon. However, the Mariners managed to secure just one win out of six games.
Once again, the team’s struggling offense was the primary issue, with Seattle scoring three or fewer runs in all five losses. During these losses, the Mariners hit a mere .139, struck out at a 30.2% rate, and only managed to score nine runs in total. Although they faced tough opponents like AL Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal and NL Rookie of the Year frontrunner Paul Skeenes in two of the games, they also failed to capitalize against Detroit during two bullpen games.
The Mariners’ offensive woes were exacerbated by inconsistencies in their pitching staff. They had little chance against Skubal as George Kirby endured a career-worst outing, surrendering 11 runs, partly due to poor defense. Additionally, the Mariners’ bullpen faltered, blowing late leads in back-to-back games despite strong starts, including Andrés Muñoz giving up a game-winning, two-run home run in the eighth inning on Thursday against a struggling Javier Báez.
However, Seattle avoided a complete disaster by securing a win on Sunday against Pittsburgh, thanks to three home runs and a bounce-back performance from Kirby.
Currently, Seattle (64-61) holds a 23.3% chance of making the playoffs, according to FanGraphs.
Struggles in Close Games
In recent seasons, the Mariners have thrived in tight games, with a reliable bullpen and timely hitting in high-leverage situations. But recently, this hasn’t been the case. Seattle dropped two one-run games to Detroit this past week, bringing their record in one-run contests to 4-11 since reaching a season-best 10-game lead in the AL West on June 18. Before that, they were 17-7 in such games.
Standings Update
The Mariners began the week tied for first place in the American League West but now find themselves a season-worst four games behind the Astros. Houston capitalized on a favorable schedule, sweeping the Rays and taking two of three from the White Sox. The Astros have won 10 of their last 11 games, while the Mariners are 5-6 over the same stretch. Meanwhile, third-place Texas is rapidly falling out of contention, now 12 games back after a 1-6 week.
Seattle now finds itself 5 1/2 games behind the Royals for the third AL wild card spot, with the Red Sox also ahead, sitting 3 1/2 games back. Kansas City gained ground with a 4-2 week, extending their lead over Seattle by three games, while Boston gained 2 1/2 games with a 4-3 record.
Houston and Boston will kick off a crucial three-game series on Monday.
Who’s Hot
Bryan Woo: After delivering a career-best performance with seven shutout innings against the Phillies last weekend, Woo followed up with two more quality starts, including another seven shutout innings against the Pirates. Despite these strong performances, the 24-year-old right-hander did not earn a win in either outing. Over his last three starts, Woo has posted an impressive 1.31 ERA, with 19 strikeouts, allowing just three runs and one walk over 20 2/3 innings.
Up Next
The Mariners are heading into one of their toughest series of the season as they wrap up their road trip with three games against the NL West-leading Dodgers, who currently hold the second-best record in the NL at 73-52.
The Dodgers are a formidable opponent, ranking in the top five in baseball in home runs, on-base percentage, OPS, WHIP, and opponent’s batting average, along with being seventh in ERA.
However, Los Angeles is dealing with some notable injuries. Eight-time All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman is day-to-day with a jammed finger sustained on Sunday, and All-Star starter Tyler Glasnow was placed on the 15-day injured list on Friday. On the other hand, veteran infielders Max Muncy and Tommy Edman might be activated off the IL on Monday. Edman, acquired from the Cardinals in a trade last month, has yet to play this season.
Mariners’ Struggles Deepen: A Tough Week on the Road
The Seattle Mariners faced a challenging stretch on their recent road trip, where a series of tough losses highlighted the team’s vulnerabilities. What initially seemed like an opportunity to gain ground turned into a week of setbacks, as the Mariners managed just one win in six games. This difficult week has cast a shadow over the team’s playoff ambitions and emphasized the areas where they need significant improvement.
Wild Card Hopes Dwindling: Seattle’s Playoff Chances After Rough Stretch
As the Mariners’ struggles continue, their hopes of securing a wild-card spot in the playoffs are rapidly fading. Entering the week with a chance to solidify their position, the Mariners instead fell further behind in the race. Now trailing several teams, including the Royals and Red Sox, Seattle’s path to the postseason looks increasingly uncertain. Each loss has put more pressure on the team to perform in the remaining games, making the upcoming matchups even more critical.
Offensive Woes Continue: Mariners’ Bats Go Cold in Crucial Games
One of the most glaring issues for the Mariners during this rough patch has been their struggling offense. Despite facing some beatable opponents, Seattle’s bats went cold at the worst possible time. In five of their six games, the Mariners scored three or fewer runs, leaving little room for error. The lack of production at the plate has been a recurring problem, and unless the team can find a way to generate more offense, their chances of turning things around remain slim.
Pitching Inconsistencies Plague Seattle: A Closer Look at the M’s Rotation
While the offense has struggled, the Mariners’ pitching staff has also been inconsistent, adding to the team’s difficulties. Key starters have faltered in crucial moments, with some suffering career-worst outings, while the bullpen has blown leads in high-pressure situations. The inability to consistently shut down opponents has made it difficult for the Mariners to hold onto leads and has compounded their offensive struggles. Addressing these pitching woes will be essential if the team hopes to make a late-season push.
Standings Watch: Mariners Fall Further Behind in the AL Wild Card Race
With each passing game, the Mariners have seen their position in the standings slip further from playoff contention. Once tied for first in the AL West, Seattle now finds itself several games behind the Astros and trailing other wild-card hopefuls. The gap between the Mariners and the final wild-card spot has widened, making every upcoming game critical. As the season enters its final stretch, the Mariners face an uphill battle to claw their way back into the race and keep their playoff dreams alive.
Frequently Asked Question
What happened during the Mariners’ recent road trip?
The Mariners endured a tough road trip, managing only one win in six games. They struggled against teams they were expected to beat, with both their offense and pitching faltering at key moments. The series of losses has put them in a difficult position in the playoff race.
How has this rough week impacted the Mariners’ playoff chances?
The Mariners’ playoff chances have significantly diminished after this brutal stretch. They have fallen further behind in the AL Wild Card race, now trailing several teams. The gap between them and the final wild-card spot has widened, making their path to the postseason increasingly challenging.
What’s been the main issue for the Mariners during this stretch?
The main issue has been a combination of poor offense and inconsistent pitching. The Mariners’ bats went cold, scoring three or fewer runs in five of the six games. At the same time, their pitching staff struggled to maintain leads, with some starters having their worst outings of the season and the bullpen failing in high-leverage situations.
How did the Mariners’ offense perform during this difficult week?
The Mariners’ offense was notably underwhelming during this period, hitting just .139 and striking out at a high rate. They struggled to score, with only nine total runs across their five losses. This lack of production has been a key factor in their recent slide.
What about the Mariners’ pitching—how did it contribute to their struggles?
The Mariners’ pitching was inconsistent, exacerbating their offensive woes. George Kirby had a particularly tough outing, giving up a career-worst 11 runs, while the bullpen blew leads in crucial moments. These pitching failures prevented the team from capitalizing on the few offensive opportunities they had.
Where do the Mariners currently stand in the AL Wild Card race?
As of now, the Mariners have fallen several games behind in the AL Wild Card race. They are 5 1/2 games behind the Royals for the third wild card spot, with the Red Sox also ahead of them. Their position has deteriorated significantly compared to earlier in the season.
What’s next for the Mariners, and how can they turn things around?
The Mariners are about to face one of their toughest challenges yet with a series against the NL West-leading Dodgers. To turn things around, they need both their offense and pitching to improve significantly. Every game is now critical, and the Mariners must find a way to win consistently if they hope to re-enter the playoff race.
Conclusion
The Mariners find themselves at a critical juncture after a difficult week that has jeopardized their playoff aspirations. Both their offense and pitching have struggled, leading to a series of disappointing losses that have pushed them further down the standings. With the season entering its final stretch, Seattle faces an uphill battle to regain their footing in the AL Wild Card race. The upcoming series against strong opponents like the Dodgers will be crucial. If the Mariners can address their inconsistencies and rediscover their winning form, there’s still a chance to turn their season around. However, time is running out, and every game from here on out is vital to keeping their postseason hopes alive.