Marco Gonzales, Seattle Mariners.
It seems forever since the Seattle Mariners beat Cleveland three out of four games. At that time, the M’s had a record of 21-20 despite. As injuries piled up, they lost six straight games by a combined 45-10, including a no-hitter thrown against them by Detroit last Tuesday. So where to from here?
Out of the frying pan and into the fire. The Mariners now travel to the Bay Area to face the division-leading Oakland A’s May 24-26. Oakland was hot recently hot with a 13-game winning streak but came down to earth over their last 10 games, with a 5-5 record. One thing in Seattle’s favor is the Athletics are only 14-13 at home.
Seattle currently has nine pitchers on the injured list, not including two that were on the list when the season started. Marco Gonzales, James Paxton, Nick Margevicius, and LJay Newsome could be the building blocks of a good rotation. Unfortunately, all four are injured. That leaves the M’s with five starters, Yusei Kikuchi, Justus Sheffield, Chris Flexen, Justin Dunn, and struggling rookie Logan Gilbert for what is supposed to be a six-man rotation.
Sunday, the Mariners used Dunn on only four days rest (the oldtimers are laughing). Their injury situation is so bad Seattle only has one righty starting pitcher left on the 40-man roster. That would be Juan Then, who is with the Single-A Everett Aqua Sox.
Short-term Outlook
The Mariners have to get by with what they have. Help is not coming any time soon.
The Seattle Mariners’ current team batting average is .200, along with a .279 on-base percentage. It wouldn’t even be that high if pitchers Justus Sheffield and Justin Dunn hadn’t gotten hits in San Diego. It’s no secret the M’s offense hasn’t been good this year. Already Jose Marmolejos, Taylor Trammell, and Luis Torrens played themselves off the roster. Also, phenom Jarred Kelenic hasn’t gotten off to an MLB start anyone would like.
Injuries haven’t helped. In April, France hit .289. After being hit on the wrist by a pitch, his average dropped to .229. Finally, he went on the IL on May 13. Evan White, Dylan Moore, and Jake Fraley are also out of action. Without White, Marmolejos, France, and Moore, the Mariners are down to 2021’s “King of Retreads” Jacob Nottingham at first base. Some good news, France might be back during the Oakland series.
Short-term Outlook
When France is back in the lineup, the Mariners should go back to something that worked for them earlier this year. Mitch Haniger goes back to batting leadoff with France number two, followed by Kyle Seager and Kyle Lewis. From there, JP Crawford or Jarred Kelenic could hit in some combination of fifth and sixth.
Expect some combination of Donavan Walton, Sam Haggerty, Erik Campbell, Jack Mayfield, and Nottingham to be the first baseman/ second baseman and designated hitter. At least until White or Moore comes back. Catcher Tom Murphy (batting .133) or recent call-up Jose Godoy round out the batting order.
Seattle relievers are dropping like flies. The latest was Kendall Graveman. Sunday, the M’s put Graveman on the injured list due to COVID-19. He joins Will Vest and Drew Steckenrider on the Covid list. The trio has been Seattle’s most effective relievers.
Graveman became the M’s closer after Rafael Montero struggled in that role. Montero most likely takes the spot over again. Wyatt Mills was recalled to take Graveman’s spot. This is his third callup. To be honest, I don’t know why. He has struggled mightily. Mills pitched in seven games resulting in a 12.15 ERA. Mills might be a good reliever in the future for the Mariners; however, his confidence has to be shot.
Short-term Outlook
A byproduct of injuries to the starters is overusing relievers. In April, Seattle’s pen was the best in baseball. In May, not so much. Even the Triple-A pitchers are injured. Tacoma has Sam Deplane and Joey Gerber on their IL. It’s up to Montero, Robert Dugger, Erik Swanson, Yohan Ramirez, and a less than effective recently Anthony Misiewicz to hold down the fort.
One thing the Mariners have going for them is a great farm system. It’s possible fans could see catcher Cal Raleigh and outfielder Julio Rodriguez this year. M’s General Manager Jerry Dipoto could also make some trades to shake things up.
How do you think the Seattle Mariners will snap out of their dunk? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.