7/11: Open game thread

Felix. Shark. AL West brouhaha.

The Mariners have expanded the King's Court tonight, in what they've intentionally made the biggest ticket event of the year to date. Perfect weather, a huge series, and a chance to break a skid. Colin is adequetly handling the pregame hype, so get some.

Justin Smoak is back and in the lineup, thanks to an oblique injury for Michael Saunders. It's all kinds of painful for the Mariners, and I don't need to tell you why. This means more Endy Chavez, and an even harder pressing need for another outfield bat. For as good as Michael Saunders is, he really hasn't been particularly durable. This final series before the All-Star break seems as much about survival as it is turning the ship around. The Mariners have to win at least one of these games. Let the king guide the team to that goal in the sunshine. And lollipops.

Game info:

• Athletics at Mariners, 7:10 pm
• TV: ROOT, MLB.tv
• Radio: 710 ESPN