Ranking the 3 best candidates for Mariners promotions when rosters expand

When the calendar rolls over to September, each MLB team will see their active rosters expand from 26 to 28 players.

Most of the time, these final spots will be used to add depth to the bench or bullpen, but it doesn't mean that these decisions should be made lightly. Two extra players could make a meaningful difference in the final month of the regular season. For the Seattle Mariners, who are some names that have the best chance of making a big splash?

3 players for the Mariners to consider when rosters expand

3. Austin Kitchen, LHP

Based on their most recent roster moves, the bullpen continues to be a point of focus for the Mariners. Most recently, they called up Emerson Hancock to fulfill a new role as a reliever but have also tried out other arms from Triple-A like Sauryn Lao and Jackson Kowar to mixed results at the big league level. With Tayler Saucedo's season-long struggles and Caleb Ferguson's first bump in the road, another southpaw option could be exactly what the team to finish the season strong.

Originally a waiver claim from Miami that likely wasn't expected to see the majors at all, Austin Kitchen has been one of the few high-performing arms in the Tacoma bullpen this year, posting a 3.47 ERA over the 59.2 total innings he has pitched for the Raininers. In fact, he is the only pitcher on the team with more than 21 appearances and an ERA under 4.00. His stuff isn't the most electric in the world and he has a strikeout rate of just 18.3% but a 6.3% walk rate and lack of other options might pave the way for him to appear in the big leagues for the first time this year.

2. Ben Williamson, 3B

After nearly a month with their two new corner infielders, it's fair to say that the acquisitions haven't quite lived up to the hype. Eugenio Suárez in particular has failed to live up to his billing and has managed just an 83 OPS+ since joining the team despite hitting to a 141 OPS+ with the Arizona Diamondbacks. To his credit, he has begun to turn things around but while he has been inconsistent at the plate, Ben Williamson has made a strong case to return to the majors.

Since being sent back down, he has posted an incredible 184 wRC+ with a .390 batting average and has even shown a level of pop that wasn't apparent while he was with the big league club. In 15 games with Tacoma, he has already hit four home runs.

He was known as a glove-first third baseman, and his offensive profile didn't fit the typical mold of his position. But if Suárez doesn't regain his footing in a Mariners uniform, Williamson could be a crucial depth piece to round out the infield.

1. Leo Rivas, INF

Rivas was a big contributor in the 30 games that he played with the Mariners this season. Posting a 112 OPS+ and 0.6 rWAR, he likely would've stayed on the roster had Cole Young not been called up at the end of May.

Despite the setback of being optioned once again, he hasn't taken his foot off the gas, posting a 150 wRC+ with the Rainiers since returning to Triple-A. The most impressive aspect of his performance over this span is his 21.1 walk percentage which has given him a ridiculous .467 on-base percentage.

Young has had his moments, but as with many young prospects with high expectations, has also shown key weaknesses in his game. Aside from his defensive struggles, he has also taken a step back at the plate, posting a .642 OPS in August.

There's hardly a clear-cut starter between the two, but second base could become a position of need as the end of the regular season draws closer. In the midst of a postseason race, even a slump of a few games could end up making a big difference come October.