Seattle Mariners Struggle on Road Trip but Maintain Playoff Position

The Seattle Mariners recently endured a difficult nine-game road trip on the East Coast, finishing with a 2-7 record and being outscored by 22 runs, which highlighted ongoing struggles with their starting pitching. On the road, Seattle's starters have the fifth-worst ERA in baseball and rank near the bottom in opponent batting average, slugging percentage, and home runs allowed, contrasting sharply with their strong performance at home. Despite the rough trip, Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto remains optimistic, drawing on his experience as a former major-league closer to navigate these challenges. While the team was swept in Philadelphia, their playoff chances remain relatively strong, with FanGraphs giving them an 87% chance of making the postseason, though the recent slump has created a sense of uncertainty. The Mariners still hold a competitive position in the American League wild card race, partly because their closest rivals have also struggled recently, allowing Seattle to maintain playoff positioning as they return home for a homestand. However, fans and analysts continue to debate the team's offseason moves and potential free-agent targets, such as Alex Bregman, reflecting ongoing concerns about roster depth and long-term competitiveness.