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Astros, Mariners, and more: Bold predictions for every AL West team in May

By Chris Timoney

Apr 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) and catcher Jonah Heim (28) celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) and catcher Jonah Heim (28) celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 2, 2023; Oakland, California, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Jarred Kelenic (10) hits a RBI double during the eighth inning against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2023; Oakland, California, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Jarred Kelenic (10) hits a RBI double during the eighth inning against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

May AL West bold prediction: Seattle Mariners

The Mariners were a popular pick to make a return to the postseason back when snow covered much of the land. The spring thaw has certainly dampened those expectations as Seattle sits in fourth place in the division five games behind leader Texas and four games under .500 after a month of play.

Can Seattle turn it around in May or will the frustration from Mariners fans force a second wave of grunge music to birth from the Emerald City?

On the bright side, Luis Castillo is throwing the lights out for Seattle. After five starts, Castillo is fourth in the league in ERA amongst starters and leading his team by far in that category at 1.82 ERA. Additionally, the Mariners have won four of his six starts. Much like the days of Felix Hernandez, that’s where most of the fun stops. Fellow starter Robbie Ray didn’t even make it to April, lasting just a few innings on Opening Day in March and will now miss the entire season as he is scheduled for season-ending elbow surgery. When given opportunities, closer Paul Seward has been effective with seven saves, but, other than that, only George Kirby (2-2, 2.93 ERA) is something to smile about on the mound. At the plate, things get even worse.

A huge reason Seattle looks lame is their lack of performance at the plate. Left fielder Jarred Kelenic (.308) is the only regular starter hitting over .250. The Mariners are last in the entire league in team batting average hitting at just a .219 clip. Ouch. That’s not going to cut it in a May where the Mariners play the likes of Houston, Texas, Boston, Atlanta and Pittsburgh. A sliver of saving grace for Seattle is that they play Oakland twice this month.

Bold prediction for Seattle is that their rock keeps sinking and they should be completely out of contention for the postseason by Memorial Day. I’m more hopeful that a garage band in the Seattle suburbs becomes the next Alice In Chains.

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