Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Bryan Woo (22) throws in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium on Aug 31. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Mariners Starting Pitchers on Track to Make Baseball History Because of Elite Control

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI
By Brady Farkas | Last updated Sep 1, 2024 1:15 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners may or not make the playoffs in 2024. They enter play on Sunday at 5.0 games back of the Houston Astros in the American League West and 4.5 games back of the Minnesota Twins in the American League wild card race.

However, whether or not the team makes the playoffs, everyone would agree that this team has put forth a special group of starting pitchers that has given the team a chance to win on most nights.

While each of them are blessed with premium velocity and solid-to-excellent secondary stuff, they are also excellent at throwing strikes and limiting free passes.

In fact, the M's are on track to make baseball history because of their elite control. According to Mariners PR:

Seattle starters’ 4.77 SO/BB ratio would be the highest by a rotation in Major League history, with the 2019 Dodgers currently holding the record of a 4.55 SO/BB ratio.

Highest batting average against the Angels among active players (min. 100 PA):

1️⃣ Julio Rodríguez (.341)
2. Manny Machado (.335)
3. Chas McCormick (.331)
4. J.D. Martinez (.329)
5. Brent Rooker (.320)

Read more in today's Game Notes:
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) August 31, 2024

That was put out before Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Angels, but the M's still remain in the lead for the season. Bryan Woo started on Saturday and did not walk anyone. He struck out three.

The group of Woo, Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, Bryce Miller, George Kirby and Emerson Hancock has done their best to keep the team in contention to this point, but now they'll need something special if they are going to get into the playoffs for the second time in three years.

The Mariners will finish out a series with the Angels on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is 1:07 p.m. PT. Miller is on the mound.

RELATED SEATTLE MARINERS CONTENT:

NEW PODCAST IS OUT: The latest episode of the "Refuse to Lose" podcast is out as Brady Farkas talks about the criticism that Jerry Dipoto has received in Scott Servais's firing, the M's early success under Dan Wilson and the comments made by Ryan Divish recently on the "Marine Layer" podcast. Furthermore, Danny O'Neil, who wrote a tough column calling for Dipoto to be fired joins the show. CLICK HERE:

ROBLES KEEPS MAKING HISTORY: Victor Robles is a history-maker on the bases! CLICK HERE:

JULIO CLOSING IN ON HISTORY: Julio Rodriguez is working to join Ichiro Suzuki in team history. CLICK HERE:

This article first appeared on Seattle Mariners on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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