Seattle Mariners Friday Five: Things To Watch For This Weekend

Aug 13, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) celebrates after the final out of a 2-0 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The weekend is upon us and the Seattle Mariners are playing meaningful baseball. Not just in general, but this weekend in particular.

The Mariners open up a three-game series in Detroit with the Tigers today. The Tigers sit just one half game ahead of the Mariners for the 2nd wild-card spot. Thanks to the three-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Mariners enjoy a three-game cushion on the Jays.

But let’s not forget that there are still 42 games left in the season. The Mariners are only 5.5 games back of the Angels for the first wild-card spot and just 7.5 games back of Oakland for the AL West lead.

The M’s are about to hit a tough stretch in the schedule with only 15 of the remaining 42 games at Safeco Field. The Mariners play 24 games against teams who are currently above .500. But they also control their own fate, as they have six games against the Athletics and seven games against the Angels.

But for right now, the M’s turn their focus to the Tigers. Here is your Top-5 things to watch for this weekend.