SHANNON DRAYER

Drayer: Mariners look to stay on track through much-needed off day

Jun 26, 2017, 12:30 PM | Updated: 1:23 pm

The Mariners' day off on Monday is their first since June 5. (AP)...

The Mariners' day off on Monday is their first since June 5. (AP)

(AP)

After playing 20 games in 20 days, the Mariners finally get a break with an off day Monday. They head into the break coming off two straight losses following a 13-3 romp over the team with the best record in baseball. Manager Scott Servais, while admitting that the 8-2 loss to the Astros on Sunday was disappointing, does not want the losses to linger. He called a brief, rare postgame meeting Sunday to remind his club that the two losses do not wipe out the progress it has shown in June.

“We have been busting our tail, we are starting to get healthy, we are in a good spot,” Servais told the team. “An off day comes at a good time for us and then we get back after it against Philadelphia. I am happy with the effort our guys have given; we just didn’t get it done today.”

If the series against Houston – which left Seattle with an MLB-best 52-25 record – was a test, well, the Mariners didn’t quite pass it. The test, however, was more of a midterm than a final and Mike Zunino was taking notes.

Moore: M’s can gain ground during favorable stretch of schedule

“It was playoff-caliber baseball,” he said. “They are a really good team. I like how we have a team that matches up well against them. It’s one of those things where we didn’t come through in this series but I think we will do fine from here out.”

With the Astros running away from the rest of the American League West, Robinson Cano pointed out that every division game is big for the Mariners.

“Anyone in our division is going to be a playoff game because those are teams you are going to have to beat if you want to be on track,” he said.

With the loss Sunday, the Mariners fell a half game behind the Rangers and Angels. While the Mariners are on an uptick – the Astros series aside – it is worth noting that the Angels have put up a 12-11 record in June without Mike Trout and could get the reigning MVP back by the All-Star break. The Mariners will have three games against the Angels without Trout later this week.

First thing is first, however, a day off. Unlike a couple of other off days this season, this should not be a press-the-reset-button day off. Servais made sure to remind his team that it is just two games separated from a streak of good baseball. Enjoy your day off, get back at it Tuesday.

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Mostly Sunny
High 56° | Low 41°
Roof is open
Red Sox at Mariners today at 6:40pm

Shannon Drayer

Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh...

Shannon Drayer

Mariners’ young core, now veterans, fueled by last year’s letdown

Falling back can be a part of growing up, and for the once young core of the Seattle Mariners, it is now part of their DNA.

22 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh...

Shannon Drayer

Why Mariners hitters are embracing new approach to offense

The Seattle Mariners have new players, new coaches and new messaging for their offense. Based on spring training, it's all landing.

2 days ago

Seattle Mariners Gabe Speier...

Shannon Drayer

Inside how the Mariners’ pitching lab gets most out of relievers

With two of the Seattle Mariners' best relievers beginning the season on the injured list, the team's “pitching lab” has perhaps never been needed more.

3 days ago

Seattle Mariners Dominic Canzone...

Shannon Drayer

Breakdown: What Mariners bring north this year is very different

How is the group the Seattle Mariners are bringing north from Arizona? Insider Shannon Drayer details the roster -- and some thoughts from clubhouse leaders -- after 40 days at spring training.

4 days ago

Seattle Mariners Emerson Hancock...

Shannon Drayer

Drayer’s Mariners Notebook: Expectations for demoted players, more

Shannon Drayer details plans for the players not making the Seattle Mariners' opening day roster and much more in her latest notebook.

6 days ago

Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh Julio Rodríguez...

Shannon Drayer

Drayer: A look around the diamond as Mariners near opening day

Let's take a trip around the diamond with thoughts on each position as the Seattle Mariners are less than a week from the start of 2024.

7 days ago

Drayer: Mariners look to stay on track through much-needed off day