Mariners: 3 reasons they will still have realistic shot at the All-Star break

By Paul Taylor | Jun 19, 2017

Sep 23, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) and third baseman Kyle Seager (15) celebrate designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) home run in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 17, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; General view of at Safeco Field during the sixth inning of a game between the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros. Houston defeated Seattle, 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

2) The schedule

Simply looking at the Mariners’ schedule between now and the All-Star break, is reason enough for optimism. Consider two specific aspects.

First, with 16 of the 19 games between now and July 9 in Seattle, the schedule is extremely favorable. The M’s have a record of 20-13 at Safeco Field, and again, this is despite contending with a ridiculous number of injuries since the start of the season.

The other reason the schedule is favorable, comes down to the Mariners’ opponents in the next 19 games. Five of the six teams they will face are under .500.

Now it should be pointed out the other team is the Houston Astros, who just happen to have the best record in the Majors. However, the three-game series will take place in Seattle, which at least gives the M’s a fighting chance. (In addition, the Astros are similarly dealing with a barrage of injuries to their starting rotation.)

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