Seattle Mariners Friday Five: Things To Watch For This Weekend

Aug 13, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Kendrys Morales (left) celebrates with Seattle Mariners center fielder Austin Jackson (right) after a two-run home run by Morales against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Safeco Field. Jackson scored on the hit. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

4- Are We Seeing Kendrys Morales Heat Up?

Over the last week, Kendrys Morales is all of a sudden, looking like a good move. Yes, I just said that. I was very vocal against the M’s signing him this past offseason and even more against the trade that came out of nowhere.

But in the last week, Morales is hitting .304 with 2 2B, 2 HR and 4 RBI. He is still only batting .206 since being traded to Seattle, but the past week is encouraging. Can he continue this success on the road?

Morales has struggled over the past five years against both Porcello (.188, 0 HR, 0 RBI) and Price (.222, 0 HR, 1 RBI). No Mariners batter has faced game three starter Robbie Ray.

If Morales continues to hit the way we’ve seen him hit in the past, this lineup that has struggled to score runs from time to time, all of a sudden becomes a formidable force.

Pair that with the success the pitching rotation has enjoyed this season and it’s hard to argue that the Mariners aren’t a playoff contender.