This one counts. The Mariners are 43-40. They’ve gone 10-6 since I wrote “they need to turn things around” in mid June; their playoff odds have jumped back up to 60%, though their division odds continue to plummet. It’s the start of a crucial three-week stretch. The Royals are the first in back-to-back series against sub-.500 teams, with the Pirates in town this weekend. Then the Mariners play three consecutive series against the American League’s leaders — the Yankees and Tigers to enter the All-Star break, and the Astros coming out of it.
Series Preview: Mariners (43-40) vs. Royals (39-45)
