Mariners Struggle Against Astros

The Seattle Mariners continue to have problems when playing the Houston Astros whether at home or on the road. Actually they have had more success on the road against the Astros than at Safeco Field.

James Paxton made his return to the starting rotation however it wasn’t as much a success as Felix Hernandez had on Thursday night. I am sure fans are wondering why since Paxton was in the rotation since Felix however I believe the issue is that Paxton is taller and it is hard for him to get back into his pitching style as well.

I believe as long as the Mariners are in the wild card race which might not be much longer I would not start Paxton instead have him come in long relief. I would put Andrew Albers back into the rotation instead who is doing well.

We all know that Paxton has all the talent in the world however he continues to be injured prone. I am wonder if the Mariners should look at trading him during the off-season. I would only do so if they can get something good in return. It will probably take a multi-player trade like the one the Mariners had with the Arizona Diamondbacks last year when they traded TaiJuan Walker.

If the Mariners keep Paxton at this point I would consider him a third starter until he proves that he can stay healthy. At this point the starting rotation for next year looks like Felix, Leake, Paxton, Ramirez and Miranda or Albers as the fifth starter. The top four not necessarily in the order I wrote in. If the Mariners can go out and get another starter than both Miranda and Ramirez could be in the bullpen.

Ryan Garton who has been pitching as the first guy out of the bullpen for an inning or less sounds like to be in the right role for him; if he continues being good in this role he could be just like Emilio Pagan has done so far this season. They can be the relievers that lead us to Dave Phelps (if he can stay healthy next year) and Nick Vincent.

Danny Altavilla had a good outing in this game so he could be another guy who is fine late in the games. In fact he could be a second closer to Edwin Diaz if he can keep control himself since he is able to throw the ball almost a hundred miles an hour as well. The Mariners have other options as well which we will look to down the road.

Any way the Mariners we need you to win today to have any chance to make the wild card. The game by the way is on Fox Sports. Enjoy the game and go M’s.