8/14: Open Game Thread

Since Robinson Canó left the Mariners’ lineup, the team has gone through a couple of bizarrely hot and cold stretches. After the dust settled, they found themselves with the exact same win percentage they had before. Back then, on May 14, the Mariners were looking up at the Los Angeles Angels. Now the Angels are all but done, but the Mariners are behind Oakland. Thing can change quickly in baseball.

Short of not being suspended at all, Canó’s turn comes at a perfect time. The Mariners still have nine games yet to play against Oakland, and they are very much within reach. Another couple weeks and that may not have been the case.

This lineup is weird, and probably deserves more discourse than I’m willing to give it at the moment. The most important part is that the lineup is now pretty stacked at the 1-through-5 holes, and not a complete black hole at the 6-through-9 holes.

The other excellent part of today is that James Paxton is starting! With Paxton on the hill and Canó back in the saddle, I have unreasonably high expectations for this game. Which would make the comedown all the harder.

TV: Root Sports NW

Radio: 710 AM ESPN Seattle

Game Time: 7:10 PM PST