time in another close game
to the Astros 3-1.
Takeaways: Logan Gilbert was
able to match Justin Verlander
for much of the game, however
gave up two runs in the 4th inning.
Gilbert gave up four hits in six
innings to a tough Astros team.
Only walked one batter while striking
out eight. This was a game where
Gilbert didn't tire out for the most.
My opinion Gilbert should have started
the opening game on Friday night. I
read one Mariners fan in a group I
belong to say Marco was the right
choice because the Mariners were
not facing the Astros ace. Most of
the season teams have match ups
that do favor one team over the other depending how the rotation works
out. Only the opening game of the
season both teams usually pitch
their ace pitcher. After the all star
break depending on who pitches in
the all star game you can choose
whoever you want. The Mariners chose
Gonzales where they could go with
either Robby Ray or Logan Gilbert. Both
of them would have the advantage while against Verlander be even at best. Had Gonzales pitched well going
into the break maybe.
The Mariners now have the disadvantage losing the first two
games at home. What does help
the Mariners they do start Gilbert
and Ray in the first two games
against the Astros in Houston. This
could work things out. Flexen and
Kirby start the first two games at
home against the Rangers with
Gonzalez in the last game. The next series against the Yankees Gonzales
will start the opening game of the
three game series in New York
followed by Gilbert and Ray. The
Mariners have a day off then face the
Angels back home. Flexen will start
the opening game Friday followed
by Kirby in the first game of Saturday
double header followed by Gonzales
in the night cap. Gilbert pitches on Sunday. This could change with the
day off Gonzales pitching the opener
followed Gilbert in night cap and Ray
going Sunday. The Mariners may
want to limit Kirby's starts and skip
him or have him start the first game
of the next series.
Another thing Logan Gilbert has never
pitched this many innings in a season
in the majors either. Last but not least
while in New York will be the end of
the trading deadline. If the Mariners
do pickup another starter like Jerry
Dipoto wants to then this will change it.
What does the Mariners do with another starter. They could go with
that starter in place of Kirby who
moves to the bullpen or the Mariners
could go to s six man rotation to help
both Kirby and Gilbert. The Mariners face the Yankees also in Seattle after
the Angels. The Mariners have an
easier scheduled for the rest of August.They face the Rangers again followed by the Angels, Oakland A's,
Washington Nationals, Cleveland and
end the month in Detroit.
In September it is a little tough but
the second half of the month they
face the Angels followed Oakland, Kansas City and Rangers. October
will be Oakland then finishing off
with Detroit at home. By the middle
of September or before the Mariners
will know what their shot is in the
playoffs .
The Mariners right now are 51-44. They have 67 games remaining. Say they go
37-30 which ends the season 88-74.
Very realistic and be in the playoffs.
Tampa Bay has 68 games remaining
while Toronto has 67. They have to play
each other along with the Yankees. They have the Red Sox as well. Won't
be an easy task.
In the central Cleveland and White Sox have to face each other seven times still. Cleveland has to face their division leading Minnesota Twins eight time well as facing Toronto and Tampa Bay. They face the Mariners to. So won't be easy for them to make the playoffs.
The rest of the schedule favors the Mariners especially after facing the Astros and Yankees. The Mariners don't face Astros after this month.
The next time maybe in.the playoffs.
Stay positive.
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