Mariners still in contention

With thirty-six games left to play, the Seattle Mariners find themselves still competing for a playoff spot. Though the Mariners are unlikely to catch the Houston Astros for the division title, they are only three games behind the second wild-card spot. Ahead of them are the Oakland A’s, who Seattle is currently playing a two-game series, and the Boston Red Sox. After the short series with the A’s is over, they will have seven more games with them before the end of the season, so there is time to catch up to them in the standings. As luck would have it, they will host the Red Sox at home in the middle of September for a three-game series. So, they have a chance to pick up games against Boston as well.

Monday night, the Mariners took the first game of the series against Oakland, beating the A’s 5-3. They were behind 3-2 in the top of the ninth when Ty France tied the game with a solo home run against A’s closer Lou Trivino. Abraham Toro followed with a single, and Jake Fraley doubled to put runners on second and third with nobody out. Jarred Kelenic and Cal Raleigh both struck out, leaving it up to Jake Bauers to drive in the go-ahead runs. Bauers delivered with a two-run single, and Paul Seward shut down Oakland in the bottom of the ninth for the win. The Mariners are 7-4 against the A’s this season.

The remaining schedule is favorable for the Mariners. They play the A’s, Royals, Astros, Diamondbacks, Red Sox, and Angels. The only team they have a losing record against at this point is the Astros, who have won eight of the thirteen games played. Overall, they are 22-19 against these teams. They haven’t played the Kansas City Royals, who are in fourth place in the American League Central and have a .452 winning percentage. The Mariners also haven’t played the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are in last place in the National League East with a .333 winning percentage.

A few players are close to returning from the injury list and could help the team in the playoff chase. Right fielder Kyle Lewis is close to beginning a rehab assignment. He has been out with a meniscus tear for much of the season. Starting pitcher Justus Sheffield completed his second rehab start this week for the triple-A Rainiers and could be back with the team soon. Finally closer, Diego Castillo received good news when the results of his MRI showed only fatigue and no damage to his inflamed right shoulder.