Mariners Analysis: The Frustrating AL West and Today’s Lineups

I live on the East Coast. You guys know that. I watch a lot of Mariners games. A lot of “portions” of Mariners games. I go to work in my “real” job at 5:30 AM, I just can’t stay up to watch every single pitch of every single game.

But last night, I fought the tiredness. I stayed up to watch Mike Montgomery carry a no-hitter into the 7th inning against the Padres, a game the Mariners won 5-0.

Monty has been awesome since coming up, and now he’s thrown back-to-back complete game shutouts. He’s in rare company for a few different reasons:

But of course, in typical fashion, a good Mariners moment is compromised by the fact that the entire AL West won yesterday, except the A’s. At least there’s that. The M’s remain nine games back in the AL West, but are now just 6.0 back in the wild card.

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The M’s send Prince Tai to the mound this afternoon against the Padres, looking for the mini sweep. Here’s the lineup:

Thoughts and Notes: We again switch up the middle of the order. Robinson Cano hits second while Kyle Seager moves to fourth. Nelson Cruz gets his crack at the No. 3 spot as the M’s search for production. Franklin Gutierrez hits fifth. I love Guti so I’m happy he’s playing, but what does it say about the M’s that a AAA call-up is now in the middle of the lineup?

James Shields has a high ERA but has found a way to win.

The M’s need the mini-sweep to keep pace in the frustrating AL West.

Go M’s.

More from SoDo Mojo

• 2023 Steamer Projections: Teoscar Hernandez could see a drop in Seattle
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• Steamer Projections: Julio Rodriguez to enter rarified air in 2023
• What if the Mariners traded FOR Tyler O’Neill this time?
• Mariners starting pitching is being overlooked by MLB

Next: Monty Spins One-Hit Gem vs. Padres