Harry Ford's Nationals call-up is salt in the wound for reeling Mariners

As much as the focus for Mariners fans is on their own team, there are times when they're inevitably going to be interested in the exploits of people previously connected with the franchise. Especially when it's a player who at one time, was the M's top-rated prospect. More specifically, Harry Ford.

As reported by Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic, the Nationals are going to promote Ford for the start of the second half of the season. The decision was made after fellow catcher catcher Drew Millas was placed on the Injured List with a left index finger fracture. For the Mariners, this move has the potential to blow up in their faces.

It's not that anyone in Seattle doesn't wish Ford the best of luck. Heck, there were plenty of people -- including us -- who didn't want the Mariners to trade him during the offseason, even if it did result in adding a much-needed reliever in Jose A. Ferrer. At the end of the day though, it was probably best for Ford, with him unlikely to ever get enough playing time with the M's at his prime position, due to the durable Cal Raleigh, who was also coming off an AL MVP-worthy campaign.

A sliding doors scenario where Harry Ford is still with the Mariners

Well… that was then, and this is now. And as of right now the Mariners are in a bit of a pickle at the catcher position and by extension, in general. Raleigh's adversity has been well documented, from struggling at the World Baseball Classic, to Handshakegate with Randy Arozarena, to dealing with a right oblique injury for the majority of the first half of the season.

Making it worse, even though Raleigh is now healthy, his confidence seems shot. He has a negative bWAR, is projected for the worst batting average of his Major League career, and has produced a lowly .581 OPS. And with all due respect, as much as Mitch Garver and Jhonny Pereda have had their moments, a collective sub-.700 OPS isn't going to get it down.

The point is, you can imagine an alternate timeline where the Mariners are calling Ford up to give them a shot in the arm as the second half of the season starts. And goodness me, they really do need that shot, with their 48-49 record far below what was expected preseason for one of the most talented rosters in the majors. Making this even worse, is that the American League is underwhelming and clearly there for the taking.

A Harry Ford strength is one of the Mariners' biggest weaknesses

Admittedly, Ford is only getting the opportunity with the Nationals at this stage because of the injury to Millas. In this respect, the casual observer may not be particularly impressed by Ford's .223 batting average and .705 OPS in 58 games for Triple-A Rochester. Even more so, when considering he hit .283 with a .868 OPS in 97 games last season for Triple-A Tacoma.

However, the tide has been turning for the 23-year-old after a slow start. He eventually found his stroke thanks to improved patience and less chasing, resulting in a solid 129 wRC+ since May 13. His confidence continues to grow and he has really taking off in the past six weeks, as evidenced by a .841 OPS in June and a 1.028 OPS during July.

Here's the real kicker though -- Ford has hit lefties well all season in the minors, batting .268 with a .855 OPS. Meanwhile, the Mariners are dead last in the majors versus southpaws in both batting average and OPS. It really is unfortunate than instead of the excitement of calling Ford up, M's fans are sitting around moping and hoping a rejuvenated Raleigh (and good health) can galvanize the team to go on a second-half run.

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