Mariners Weekly Rundown: Who’s Hot & Who’s Not

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This week has seen the addition of more than a few fresh faces to the Mariners’ clubhouse. All of the September call-ups have been made, and there were a couple big league debuts this week in Seattle. I think we will see some interesting lineups over the next few weeks as the M’s search for players capable of contributing to the club in 2016.

Overall, it was a bit of a disappointing week for the Mariners. After losing the first two games of a four game set against the Texas Rangers, the M’s fought back to split the series. This weekend, the lowly Colorado Rockies took two of three at Safeco Field. Seattle finished the week with a record of 3-4. The Mariners scored exactly 4 runs per game and allowed 3 runs per game.

Today, we will take a look at who is hot and who is not on the Mariners over the last week. We will begin the list with Mark Trumbo, who is tearing the cover off the ball right now.

Next: Mark Trumbo

Sep 9, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Mark Trumbo (35) runs around the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Trumbo – Hot

The 29-year-old has strung together a very impressive week for the Mariners. Trumbo posted a .360 batting average with 1 double, 1 home run and 5 RBI. He registered a .429 on base percentage and slugged .520 across 25 at bats.

I was very skeptical of the trade for Trumbo, but he has recently become a consistent force in the heart of the Mariners’ lineup. He is hitting .309 with 7 home runs and 17 RBI since August 15. Trumbo has posted a .260 batting average with 12 home runs and 36 RBI as a member of the Seattle Mariners.

Next: Prince Tai

Sep 8, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon (23) relieves pitcher Taijuan Walker (32) against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Taijuan Walker – Not

Prince Tai had a pretty rough week. Walker lost his only outing after allowing 5 earned runs through 3 innings of work. He fanned 2 and did not issue any free passes. The home run ball was his big issue, as he served up 3 long balls to the Texas Rangers.

Taijuan Walker is scheduled to make his 29th start of the season later today against the Los Angeles Angels. 2015 has been Walker’s first full season in the big leagues, and I think he should be proud of himself. Tai got off to a rocky start, but never stopped believing and managed to turn his season around. There are plenty of areas he needs to improve in this winter, but I think he has a chance to be an All-Star next season.

Next: Seags

Sep 11, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager (15) is greeted in the dugout after hitting a two-run homer against the Colorado Rockies during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Seager – Hot

Kyle Seager was a big time contributor for the Mariners this week. Seags posted a .333 batting average with 1 double, 2 home runs and 5 RBI through 7 games. He registered a .379 on base percentage and slugged .593 across 27 at bats.

Seager had a breakout campaign in 2014, and while he has not received the same fan fare this season, he has actually improved upon many of his numbers. The 27-year-old is hitting .276 with 24 home runs and 66 RBI. Seager is quickly becoming one of the most reliable third basemen in the business.

Next: Vidal was Vital

Sep 9, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Vidal Nuno (38) throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Vidal Nuno – Hot

The 28-year-old southpaw was brilliant this week, going 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA. Nuno nearly no-hit the Texas Rangers this week, allowing just 1 hit through 7.2 innings of work. He struck out a career high 10 batters and walked 2 en route to earning the win.

Nuno has been very effective for Seattle since being acquired from the Diamondbacks in early June. Nuno is 1-2 with a 3.25 ERA through 25 appearances in 2015. He has started 6 games for the M’s this season, but I believe his future in as a lefty specialist in the bullpen.

Next: Ketel Corn

Sep 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Ketel Marte (4) reacts after being called out on strikes with two men on base to end the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Ketel Marte – Not

The Mariners’ exciting young shortstop hit a bit of wall this week. Marte went 4 for 23 with 2 RBI and 3 stolen bases. He posted a .174/.269/.174 stat line. Marte struck out 8 times and nursed 3 walks.

Ketel is only 21-years-old, and for the most part, he has been very impressive with Seattle. Since being called up on July 31, Marte is hitting .261 with 9 doubles, 1 triple, 9 RBI and 5 stolen bases. He has also played much better defensively than I expected. I think Marte has done enough to go into spring training in 2016 as the Mariners’ starting shortstop.

Next: King Felix Returns to the Throne

Sep 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Felix Hernandez – Hot

King Felix was electric this week, earning a win in his lone start after hurling 8 shutout frames against the Texas Rangers. Hernandez struck out 8, walked 4 and allowed 3 hits. He limited the opposition to 0.88 walks/hits per inning.

2015 has been a very strange season for Felix Hernandez. The 29-year-old right-hander is tied for the league lead with 17 wins, but his 3.49 ERA is his worst since 2007. He is still a top tier pitcher, but he has not been quite as dominant this season. I still believe Hernandez will win another Cy Young Award in the near future, but it’s safe to say he will not be among the top contenders this year.

Next: Eli Manning's Backup QB at Ole Miss

Aug 18, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Seth Smith (7) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Seth Smith – Not

Seth Smith has been one of the more consistent hitters in the M’s lineup this season, but he really struggled this week. Smith went 2 for 18 with a pair of runs batted in. He struck out 6 times and worked 0 walks. His .111/.111/.111 stat line left plenty to be desired.

The 32-year-old is hitting .249 with 10 home runs and 35 RBI in his debut season in the Emerald City. Smith has contributed 29 doubles and tripled 5 times in 119 games. His .327 on base percentage is amongst the best on the team, and his .449 slugging percentage is also very impressive.

Next: Straight Outta Guantanamo

Sep 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Roenis Elias (29) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Roenis Elias – Hot

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Roenis Elias did a great job this week, going 1-1 with a 1.69 ERA through 2 starts. The 27-year-old southpaw allowed 2 earned runs on 6 hits across 10.2 innings pitched. He tallied 14 punch outs and walked 5.

The Guantanamo, Cuba native has had an inconsistent season in 2015. Elias started the year in Tacoma before earning a promotion to the M’s. He started fast with Seattle, but faded just as fast. He was demoted in early July, and did not return to the Mariners until late August. On the season, Elias is 5-8 with a 4.07 ERA through 18 appearances.

Next: Mariners Game Recap: Rockies Top M's in Series Finale

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