Call to the pen
Fansided

Will anyone challenge the Astros in the American League West?

By Kyle Cardoza

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 07: Tyler White #13 of the Houston Astros is congratulated by Josh Reddick #22 after White hit a two-run home run against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the eighth inning at AT&T Park on August 7, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 07: Tyler White #13 of the Houston Astros is congratulated by Josh Reddick #22 after White hit a two-run home run against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the eighth inning at AT&T Park on August 7, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Astros
ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 06: Mike Zunino #3 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with Dee Gordon #9 of the Seattle Mariners after hitting a solo home run against the Texas Rangers in the top of the fourth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 6, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Seattle Mariners

It’s surprising to see that Seattle currently boasts a -29 run differential this late in the year. For a team that’s 15 games above .500, it seems unordinary. But as long as the Mariners remain in the playoff mix, they are still a dangerous club.

And it starts with the pitching, which is headed by two of the best, most efficient pitchers in the game.

Despite some recent struggles, a portion of Seattle’s bullpen has been consistent and clutch. Edwin Diaz could challenge Francisco Rodriguez’s single-season save record. Moreover, lesser-known hurlers like James Pazos and Alex Colome have been reliable.

Those guys flourish against the Astros. Also add James Paxton, who surrendered just two runs in three starts against them, as well. That’s essentially one win per series.

Yet, the rest of the pitching staff has been mediocre at best, whether against Houston or other opponents. The club’s ERA currently ranks 17th in the league. But most of the damage is done on the road, as the Mariners rank sixth in the category at Safeco Field.

Despite some players enjoying terrific seasons, Seattle’s offense is overall uninspiring. Five players account for nearly 70 percent of the team’s runs. And three of those five hitters own a sub-.800 OPS.

Of course, Robinson Cano will help once he returns in a week or two.

It will be difficult for the Mariners to overcome an eight-game barrier throughout the rest of the season. A near-miraculous stretch could be needed, as Seattle plays against Houston, Oakland, Arizona and the Los Angeles Dodgers until Aug. 28.

If they catch up to the Astros by that point, the Mariners ultimately deserve a shot at a playoff berth.

But that is highly unlikely at this point.

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