Mariners vs Astros: Can Seattle kick Houston while they're down?

As the calendar turns to May, the Mariners are set to play Houston for the first time in 2024. It's tough getting used to not seeing your divisional opponents as often, with teams only playing each other 13 times instead of the 19 matchups that was the standard for so long. For both of these teams, it's even more odd as they find themselves in a position that neither have been all that used to.

The Mariners are in first place in the AL West and the Astros are in last place. I'm sure Alex Mayer knows the last time this happened, as well as some other odd, intriguing, and interesting nugget that occurred during that time frame as well. (Seriously, dude is amazing with all the info he comes up with.) I don't remember the last time it did, but it has been a while since Houston has been in a situation like this as it likely goes back to the pre-Correa days.

There is no way that the Mariners are going to head into this series and overlook the Astros, right? I don't see it and don't think so, as it's too early in the season for that, and there is just too much animosity between the two teams. This isn't a first-place/last-place matchup late in the season where one team is 20-25 games better than the other. There are only six games separating them currently, so you would think the Mariners would be chomping at the bit to push Houston further down.

The Astros are still incredibly talented, though. You can't look past a team with Tucker, Alvarez, Bregman, and Altuve still in the lineup. The pitching staff is starting to get healthy, but they have still been badly roughed up. Let's see exactly who Houston will be throwing this series.

Mariners vs Astros: Pitching Matchups

Friday, May 3rd @ 5:10 PM: George Kirby vs Ronel Blanco
Saturday, May 4th @ 4:15 PM: Logan Gilbert vs Framber Valdez
Sunday, May 5th @ 1:10 PM: Bryce Miller vs Hunter Brown

You'll remember seeing Blanco's name everywhere from his first start this year, when he went out and threw a no-no against the Blue Jays. Then, he threw one-hit ball through six innings against the Rangers. He hasn't been that good since then, but he has still been doing darn well with a 3.06 ERA across his last three starts. He has had some walk issues this season, walking 14 through 32.2 innings. The Mariners have done well at increasing pitch counts, so let's hope that continues.

In the second game, we have the Ace matchup with Gilbert going up against Valdez. I believe he's currently their best starter, with Verlander still being a stud but obviously nearing the end of his career. (Side note, im insanely happy we don't have to see him this series). Valdez was out for a couple of weeks, but looked back to his normal self against Colorado. He walked six hitters in his opening start, and then has zero walks in two starts and 12.2 innings since.

In the finale, we see the weak-link of the rotation in Hunter Brown. He's sporting a 5.70 FIP but a 9.78 ERA on the season, in large part due to not making it out of the first inning against the Royals last month while giving up nine earned runs. It's one of three outings in which he gave up five or more runs, and he has allowed 51 baserunners through 23 innings. Massive opportunity here for the lineup to end the series on a high note.

Mariners vs Astros: Hitters to Watch

This is the thing with Houston, the offense is still pretty darn good. A .264/.329/.420 slash line is good for 3rd/5th/5th in baseball. I mentioned in the opener all the big names, but who is it that we should keep an eye on this series? Normally, I take a look at some of the lesser-known guys, but as the Mariners head to Houston, I think it is the stars that they need to be wary of.

Kyle Tucker is having himself quite a season so far. .291/.403/.556 is an incredible slash line, especially when you pair it with five steals. He has 15 XBH already and is leading their team with 21 RBI. If the Mariners can even keep Tucker to just singles this weekend, it's going to be a win for the M's.

Is Jose Altuve ever going to stop being good? He is hitting a remarkable .352/.415/.582 with seven homer and six steals this season. He currently has the most hits in baseball, and is continuing on his HOF pace. He's done damage against the Mariners his entire career, slashing .314/.372/.469 with 44 2B, 18 HR, and 30 SB in a season's worth of games against them.

I'm always wary of struggling stars, so watch for Alex Bregman this weekend. He's only hitting .200/.270/.273, but is hitting .274/.346/.422 in his career against the Mariners. The Houston lineup is dangerous everywhere, and you still have Yordan Alvarez to watch out for, as well as Jeremy Pena and his .333/.375/.462 line that he is sporting this year.