Mariners' losing streak reveals harsh reality of a roster ravaged by injuries

It's already proven to be a strange season in Seattle, for both better and worse. On the positive side, the Mariners overcame a 4-8 start to the year by winning nine consecutive series for the first time since a franchise-record of 15 straight back in 2001.

Similarly on the positive side, the Mariners had enjoyed an offensive renaissance which saw them — among other things — enter last weekend's series versus the Toronto Blue Jays ranked first in walks, sixth in OPS, second in wRC+, and tied-seventh in runs.

However, the truth is that the wheels have started to fall off of late.

This actually began in the series finale on the road in Texas, with the Rangers winning 8-1 and beginning a 2-6 for the Mariners which includes Monday night's demoralizing 11-5 loss in the opener against the New York Yankees. During the eight-game streak in question, the Mariners have averaged 3.75 runs per contest, and have seen that nasty problem with strikeouts return courtesy of at least 10 Ks in four of the past six games.

Mariners pitching also suffering

Making this offensive regression even more exasperating is that the Mariners are struggling to keep their opponents off the board, allowing an average of 6.88 runs during the eight-game slide. At the heart of this is a rotation which has recorded a 6.59 ERA, which doubles as second-worst in the majors during their 2-6 run.

As for why this has happened, it's down to a roster which was playing collectively to the best of its abilities, but is now finally being beaten down by a seemingly never-ending stream of injuries. This type of losing run was to be expected, as opposed to being any type of opportunity to criticize the Mariners.

Seriously, how could any team overcome an extended period of time without two key members of the best rotation in baseball from last season? Staff ace Logan Gilbert has been out with a right elbow flexor strain since his sixth start, while George Kirby has yet to see any Major League action in 2025 due to right shoulder inflammation.

The pitching in general has suffered this year, headlined by Gregory Santos being transferred to the 60-day injured list at the end of April due to right knee inflammation. The bullpen has also been hindered by Trent Thornton recently suffering appendicitis and Jackson Kowar yet to make his Mariners debut after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year.

Injuries plaguing every part of the Mariners roster

Offensively, the key loss for the Mariners is undoubtedly Victor Robles, who was a revelation in the lineup after he arrived in June last season. He is out until July at the earliest with a left shoulder fracture. In addition, the absence of the versatile Luke Raley has been troublesome while the speedy Ryan Bliss is potentially gone for the year.

As tough as all of this sounds, there is potentially crucial help on the way soon, with Kirby projected to return for the series in Houston (May 22-25) and Gilbert hoping to himself be back by the end of May. This would boost a Mariners rotation that is struggling to hold it together, not helped by Bryce Miller dealing with his own health issues and Luis Castillo continuing a regression which began last season.

All teams have to contend with injury issues, but we would argue few have had it worse this year when compared to the Mariners. There's no doubt they have proven their impressive mental fortitude as they remain first in the AL West, but until the likes of Gilbert and Kirby return, there is real concern the recent blip could extend into something more serious.

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