Astros Visit the Mariners to Start 3-Game Series
KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON, JUL 17 – The Mariners aim to close a five-game AL West gap despite pitching challenges and rely on key offensive players to maintain playoff contention, with team ERA ranked ninth in the league.
- On July 18, 2025, Joe Espada said Mariners open second half hosting Astros, holding a 51–45 record and trailing by five games.
- Since his June 16 return, Gilbert, the Mariners starter, has struggled to last beyond 5.1 innings, and rotation durability concerns mount.
- Despite inconsistent bats, and FanGraphs gives them a 23.3% division chance and 72.2% playoff odds, J.P. Crawford's recent performance reflects offensive struggles and uncertain postseason prospects.
- Despite a rocky end, the Houston Astros have a 56–40 record, and their momentum suggests they remain strong contenders in the AL West.
- Facing 17 games in 17 days, and according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Mariners are expected to be aggressive buyers at the trade deadline, impacting their playoff pursuit.
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Astros visit the Mariners to start 3-game series
Houston Astros (56-40, first in the AL West) vs. Seattle Mariners (51-45, second in the AL West) Seattle; Friday, 10:10 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Astros: Brandon Walter (1-2, 3.98 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 40 strikeouts); Mariners: Luis Castillo (6-5, 3.
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- 50% of the sources lean Left
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