Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (right) celebrates with manager Dan Wilson after a win against the Cleveland Guardians on June 15 at T-Mobile Park. Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners Manager Dan Wilson Talks About Hellish Upcoming Road Trip, Schedule

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI
By Teren Kowatsch | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 2:15 PM ET

SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners closed out a six-game homestand with a 4-2 record, but it ended on a poor note as they lost 3-1 on Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox. After sweeping the Cleveland Guardians, Seattle dropped two of three against the Sox.

And now, the M's are headed out on one of the most difficult stretches of the year. They'll play 10 games in 10 days on the road against the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers, all playoff contenders. Then, they'll play seven more days in a row against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals.

While the trip, and the schedule, are a gauntlet, Seattle should be refreshed at the start of it. J.P. Crawford sat on Wednesday while Cal Raleigh was able to play designated hitter. Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena were removed early from a blowout win on Tuesday and the bullpen's leverage arms are rested also. Luke Raley could be back from a strained oblique as early as this weekend as well.

Crushed. Luke Raley solo HR! pic.twitter.com/lgPBFcA08b
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) June 18, 2025

"We got a big stretch coming up after the off day," Mariners manager Dan Wilson said in a pregame interview Wednesday. "It's a good stretch of games. So looking to give guys days off here and there to keep them as fresh as possible. ... That's important. We got the off day coming up, that'll be another nice breather for guys. After that, I think it's 17 straight. Something you want to be careful of and cognizant of."

The 17-game stretch has the chance to either turn around or break Seattle's season. In addition to winning games, the Mariners will need to make sure the team stays healthy during and coming out of the trip.

The Mariners are 37-36 and 5.5 games back of the Houston Astros. They are 0.5 games back of the third and final wild card spot as we near the halfway point of the season.

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

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