Takeaways From Seattle Mariners Series Win Against Houston Astros
In this story:
SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners came out of the All-Star Break in a strong way and made up one game n the American League West over the weekend after winning a three-game series against the Houston Astros.
The series had a little bit of everything for both teams and wasn't the cleanest showing from either club, and the Mariners failed to pull of a series sweep after a big opportunity to do so Sunday.
With all that being said, here's the takeaways from the series between Seattle and Houston:
Daunting schedule might force the Mariners to chase bullpen help
The series between the M's and Astros also marked the first three of a daunting stretch of 17 consecutive games for the M's without a day off. And any hope of keeping the bullpen fresh for the long haul quickly evaporated.
The Mariners used every single reliever in the series. Every bullpen arm except Juan Burgos pitched in the team's 11-inning, 7-6 win against Houston on Saturday alone.
I mentioned before in an analysis piece before the series that Seattle's bullpen isn't as bad as many make it out to be, and bullpen help shouldn't take priority over bats in trade discussions. I still feel that way, but the last game of the series showed what a worn and tired M's relief unit looks like.
The Mariners trailed 5-3 when the game turned over to the relievers on Sunday against the Astros, still close enough for Seattle to make a push. Casey Legumina, who was pitching for the second day in a row, allowed four runs in the seven and Burgos allowed two across the eighth and ninth innings. The M's lost 11-3.
Adding some insurance!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/vIAgbxPyIi
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 20, 2025
The Mariners have relievers in Triple-A and Collin Snider is nearing activation from the injured list. But with the stretch the team is currently on and how taxed the bullpen already is, they might not have the benefit of waiting for Snider's activation or relying on the minor league options.
Cal Raleigh's cold spell continues
Seattle's All-Star catcher and 2025 Home Run Derby champion has been undoubtedly the team's best hitter this season. He went into the All-Star Break with a major league-leading 38 homers and 82 RBIs. His 38 homers were also the most for a catcher, switch-hitter and American League hitter before the All-Star Break.
CAL RALEIGH
— MLB (@MLB) July 12, 2025
GRAND SLAM
HOMER NO. 38 pic.twitter.com/dlbEjAGU87
Across 13 games in July entering Monday, Raleigh has hit .135 (7-for-52) with five home runs and 12 RBIs. He hit .253 in April, .304 in May and .300 in June.
Raleigh has had slow stretches before, and pitchers have started to throw to him differently after his historic first half.
Raleigh's stretch isn't at red flag territory, but it's something to monitor when he starts to heat up again.
Up next
The Mariners will begin the first of a three-game series against the Brewers at 6:40 p.m. PT on Monday. George Kirby will start for Seattle and Brandon Woodruff will start for Milwaukee.
Seattle is 53-46. Milwaukee has won 10 games in a row.
Related Stories on Seattle Mariners
MARINERS FAIL TO PULL OFF SWEEP, FALL 11-3 TO ASTROS: The Mariners couldn't hold on to an early lead in Game 3 against their American League West rivals. CLICK HERE
SUZUKI "HONORED" FOR HOF INDUCTION COINCIDING WITH JAPANESE EXHIBIT: The Seattle Mariners legend's induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame coincides with the Yakyu Baseball exhibit opening in Cooperstown. CLICK HERE
ROOKIE MARINERS INFIELDER DRAWING RAVE REVIEWS FOR HIS DEFENSE:Ben Williamson's glove has been one of the best in baseball since he made his major league debut.CLICK HERE
Follow Seattle Mariners on SI on social media
Continue to follow our Inside the Mariners coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following Teren Kowatsch and Brady Farkas on "X" @Teren_Kowatsch and @RefuseToLosePod. You can subscribe to the "Refuse to Lose" podcast by clicking HERE.
