8/12/20: Open Game Thread

What a weird baseball season. We all know that baseball is volatile, and in just sixty games it’s more volatile than ever. Almost a third of the way through the season, the Mariners find themselves close to a playoff spot thanks to the extended playoff rules this season.

If you don’t recall, the top two teams from each division will make the playoffs. The AL West has been... pretty bad so far. The Mariners 7-12 record puts them just 1.5 games behind the Rangers, who sport a 7-9 record and currently hold second place in the division. That’s right — if the Mariners win tonight (and the Astros lose), they’ll be just half a game out of the division lead. Baseball!

How likely is that to happen?

The Mariners will start Taijuan Walker, who’s been pretty decent this season as he tries to bounce-back from two seasons of injuries. The Rangers will counter with journeyman Jordan Lyles, who sports a 5.11 ERA for his career and an even-worse 5.56 ERA in 2020.

It looks like Evan White will be getting a day off today as the Mariners try to give the struggling rookie a break.

Game time: 6:10 PM PST

TV: Root Sports NW

Radio: 710 AM ESPN Seattle