Mariners Take Rays Again

 Mariners 4 Rays 2

It is amazing how a team has another
number no matter what their record
is like. The Mariners lost two out of
three to the Rangers and now looking
to sweep another series from the Rays.

The Mariners seem to comeback as 

well after you think they might not.

The bullpen has done a fine job

throughout the season even after

a couple of mistakes like giving up

walk off home runs. The bullpen is

why the Mariners are still in the

hunt for the wild card.

Tuesday's game was like most of

the games this season where they

are able to get a lead and hold on.

In Tuesdays game Yusei Kikuchi

gave up a home run to the leadoff

hitter in the game and then later 

in the fourth inning after scoring

two runs.

Cal Raleigh didn't have any hits

however he did drive in two runs

which of course was the difference

in the game. They were in the second

and the sixth inning. 

Back to Kikuchi he still doesn't look

to be the guy who made the all-star 

team. On the TV broadcast they 

pointed out he was throwing a lot

of sliders which he does when not

feeling confident. Kikuchi did make

it through six innings giving up six

hits, two walks and striking out five.

The second run wasn't earned because

of an error by Jake Fraley.

Abraham Toro we can't forget him 

since arriving last week in Seattle

has been hitting the ball well. Toro

was the only player having more than

one hit. He scored the first run in the

second then along with Jarred Kelenic

had a solo home run in the fourth inning.

Casey Sadler along with Paul Sewald

and Diego Castillo against his former

team shut the door on the Rays. Another

point came out on the TV broadcast 

Sewald often comes in to face the middle 

of the lineup. A reason you may see him

either in the 8th or 9th inning.

The Mariners have a day game against

the Rays to finish the series then on off

to New York for four games. An important

series for both teams as they are both

vying for one of the wild card spots.

All the Mariners have to do what has been 

successful for most of the season keep the 

game close and let the bullpen do it. 

Now a look at the Mariners double-A team

the Arkansas Travelers.

The Travelers have just two pitchers among

their top 30 prospects. We will see who else

is doing the job to look at consideration to

move up to triple-A and up to the major league

club or be part of a trade. 

Matt Brash right-handed pitcher the Mariners 

acquired from San Diego last September began

the season in Everett then promote to Arkansas

on July 14. Brash was a 4th round pick by

San Diego in 2019. Since arriving in Arkansas

Brash has started three games with a record of

0-1 and an era of 3.07. Brash has done a fine

job striking out batters having more than one

per inning however has walked batters as well.

Brash control the strike zone then he could be

a benefit for the Mariners. More likely as a

reliever then a starter.

Moises Gomez a right handed reliever 24 years

old. Many of the Traveler players are around the

same age as Gomez. An international player who

has been in the Minnesota Twins organization 

until this last off-season when he decided to be

a minor league free agent. Gomez has an outstand

era at 1.37 in 21 games. He has a good walk to

strike out ration 1-3.5. The Mariners bullpen might

be hard to crack right now but Gomez will be ready.

Josh Morgan catcher the Mariners signed as a 

minor league free agent during the off-season. 

Having a solid season hitting .258 with eight

home runs. He progresses could be the Mariners

backup catcher.

Jordan Cowan a minor league veteran in the 

Mariner system drafted in the 34th round by

the team in 2013. Was invited to spring training

this last year. Doesn't have high home run totals

for a third baseman. Jordan is hitting .279 his

second season at Arkansas. If he does make it

to the majors likely as a utility player.

Jake Scheiner listed as another third baseman

is having a good season. Jake is batting .250,

however, he is more of what you are looking

for at the position with 14 home runs. Jake

was a higher draft pick a fourth rounder by

the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017. He was

acquired in 2019 when the Mariners traded

outfielder Jay Bruce to the Phillies in 2019.

Outside of top prospects like Julio Rodriguez

who is now playing in double-A after starting

the season in Everett the Travelers have a lot

of journeyman players. Most of the players

won't make it to the majors however we will

continue to keep an eye on who may have a

chance.

Next time up we will look at triple-A Tacoma

Rainiers. There will be several names we will

recognize. We will see how Taylor Trammell

is now doing in Tacoma.