Notebook: Mariners making things difficult for contenders

The Mariners have fared well against the contenders in the American League. Plus news and notes, including the return of first baseman Logan Morrison.

BY SHANNON DRAYER

Sep 23, 2015, 4:59 PM Updated: 5:38 pm

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The Mariners have been playing good baseball of late against some of the league's better teams. (AP)

(AP)

KANSAS CITY – A strange thing has happened over the last month. As the Mariners have faced contender after contender, the atmosphere around these clubs has not at all been what I expected. Each club had worries. From the Astros – who were division leaders when the Mariners met them – to the surging Rangers to the been-there, done-that Royals, I heard more doubt than postseason planning from those around those clubs as well as the Angels regardless of where they were in the standings at the time.

To be clear, I am not talking about players or staff members on these teams. They are focused forward, but the assorted stumbles paired with having to face the Mariners (yeah, I just wrote that) – who as of Wednesday morning had the best September record – has prompted more anxious talks with those around the clubs than I would have expected. In other words, nervous times for a number of teams in the American League.

Facing the Mariners is not helping. No one wants to truly embrace the role of spoiler. That means acknowledging that you are out of it, but the Mariners have done their fair share of damage the last few weeks. It’s been over a month since they have lost a series to a team over .500. They are 4-2 in their last six against both the Rangers and Astros, which included putting a halt to Texas’ hot streak coming off a four game-sweep of Houston. They went 2-1 against the Angels, who are chasing a wild-card spot, and took the first game here in Kansas City. The Mariners are playing good baseball against good competition.

The pitching staff has the best ERA in baseball in September and the offense has matched that with the best wRC+. Better late than never? Only if it carries over to next year, something that the players in the clubhouse are aware of.

“As a player, you go home and prepare yourself, expecting to have a good season,” Robinson Cano said. “To be able to bounce back, you just have to get ready for the first half and try to start from the beginning because every game means something, every game counts.”

Without question, although this time of the year, some games for some clubs count more.

Lineup!

Ketel Marte, SS
Kyle Seager, 3B
Nelson Cruz, DH
Robinson Cano, 2B
Franklin Gutierrez, LF
Seth Smith, RF
Mark Trumbo, 1B
Brad Miller, CF
Jesus Sucre, C

Roenis Elias, LHP

Morrison returns

Logan Morrison has rejoined the team after the birth of his first child. It has been a whirlwind day for Morrison, who flew back to Seattle on Monday and returned to Kansas City Tuesday night. He did make it home in time for the birth.

“It’s a pretty crazy feeling to hold your daughter for the first time,” he said. “I thought hitting homers was the coolest thing. This is cooler.”

Notes

• Felix Hernandez experienced no trouble with his throwing Tuesday and will make his start Saturday in Anaheim. Friday’s starter is still TBA.

• The Royals’ magic number is three.