Takeaways From Seattle Mariners Series Sweep Against Pittsburgh Pirates

Seattle's rotation still isn't at full health. Bryce Miller is on the injured list and Logan Gilbert is yet to go longer than 5.1 innings since being activated off the IL on June 16.

But for the first time in months, the Mariners pitching staff has started to look like many thought it would coming into the season. And if that can be maintained, Seattle could take a massive step forward in being a legitimate playoff contender.

Randy Arozarena surge could open things up for middle of the lineup

This homestand was arguably the best display Randy Arozarena has put together since the Mariners acquired him in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on July 26, 2024.

In seven home games against the Kansas City Royals and the Pirates, Arozarena hit .346 (9-for-26), scored six runs and hit six home runs with nine RBIs.

Arozarena's power was also the most versatile it's been since he joined Seattle. Three of his home runs were to the pull side (left field), two were to center field and one was to opposite field (right field). Arozarena's sixth and final homer of the homestand was a solo shot that resulted in the Mariners 1-0 win Sunday.

Arozarena has been the team's everyday left fielder since he came to the Pacific Northwest, and has most often been used as the club's cleanup or No. 5 hitter. If Arozarena can consistently tap into that power and do it in the various ways he displayed this past week, the middle of Seattle's lineup will be that much more dangerous in the second half.

Up next

The Mariners will have a day off Monday before heading east to begin a six-game road trip, starting with a three-game set against the New York Yankees. Game 1 of that series is at 4:05 p.m. PT on Tuesday. Logan Gilbert will start for Seattle and Will Warren will start for New York.