Takeaways From Seattle Mariners Series Split With Minnesota Twins

Minnesota outscored the Mariners 12-1 in the final two games of the series. Seattle had just nine hits in the final two games of the series after having 19 in the first two.

Inconsistency has been the most apt one-word descriptor for the Mariners season to this point, and that was highlighted against the Twins.

Cracks form in bullpen's armor

Similarly to the offense, Seattle's bullpen had a solid first two games followed by a disappointing latter half.

The Mariners relievers didn't allow a run through the first two games of the series, continuing a solid stretch of consistency dating back to the club's last homestand. Matt Brash earned his first save of the season and first since Aug. 17, 2023, in the team's 6-5 win in Game 2 on Tuesday.

In Games 3 and 4, the bullpen allowed a combined nine runs (eight earned). Eduard Bazardo gave up his first earned run since June 3 in Game 3 of the series Wednesday. It came on a solo home run, and was his eighth outing in 12 days. Zach Pop allowed eight runs (seven earned) in the series finale Thursday.

Due to the M's offense scoring so many runs recently, the high-leverage relievers have been able to sit most days, but the lower-leverage arms have been taxed heavily.

The M's still have 10 more games in a row before an off day, so the 'pen will continue to get used, and the M's may eventually need reinforcements from Triple-A.

Up next

The Mariners will begin the final leg of their 10-game road trip in Game 1 of a three-game set against the Texas Rangers at 5:05 p.m. PT on Friday. Logan Gilbert will start for Seattle and Nathan Eovaldi will take the mound for Texas.