Fresh off a five-game win streak and a sweep of the Cardinals, the Mariners (78-68) vs Angels (69-77) series promises to be a crucial four-game showdown. Seattle returns home to face their division rivals, with just a game separating the Mariners from Houston atop the AL West. Every win counts, especially against a struggling Angels squad.
Schedule & Probables
| Game | Date & Time (PT) | Angels Starter | Mariners Starter | Win Probability* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thu, Sep 11 – 6:40 PM | RHP José Soriano | RHP Bryce Miller | SEA 57% |
| 2 | Fri, Sep 12 – 7:10 PM | LHP Yusei Kikuchi | RHP Luis Castillo | SEA 64% |
| 3 | Sat, Sep 13 – 6:40 PM | LHP Mitch Farris | RHP Bryan Woo | SEA 69% |
| 4 | Sun, Sep 14 – 1:10 PM | RHP Caden Dana | RHP George Kirby | SEA 71% |
Team Comparison
| Category | Angels (AL Rank) | Mariners (AL Rank) | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batting (wRC+) | 94 (11th) | 110 (3rd) | Mariners |
| Fielding (OAA) | -41 (15th) | -27 (14th) | Mariners |
| Starting Pitching | 115 (14th) | 102 (9th) | Mariners |
| Bullpen | 112 (15th) | 98 (11th) | Mariners |
The Angels are bottom-tier in nearly every key metric. The Mariners hold the edge in all categories — but games between these teams rarely follow expectations.
Angels Scouting Report
Angels midseason breakdown
Los Angeles continues its trend of chaotic roster construction. Like 2023’s failed Ohtani push, this year’s win-now trades haven’t paid off. The pitching staff ranks among the league’s worst, and the defense is statistically dead last in MLB.
Key Hitters
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Jo Adell (RF) – Red-hot slugger on pace for 40 HR; AL Player of the Week to start September.
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Zach Neto (SS) – Power-hitting leadoff man with 26 HR and solid defense.
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Taylor Ward (LF) – Injury-free and crushing with 30 HR.
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Mike Trout (DH) – Still dangerous with 20 HR despite declining numbers.
Weak Spots
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Bottom of the order features role players and minor league call-ups.
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Catcher & first base production is near replacement level.
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Luis Rengifo & Chris Taylor (ex-Mariners) always seem to haunt Seattle, despite poor seasons.
Pitching Matchups Breakdown
José Soriano vs. Bryce Miller
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Soriano: High-velo sinker (97+ mph), elite groundball rate, but shaky control.
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Miller: Still finding rhythm; will need better command to keep momentum going.
Yusei Kikuchi vs. Luis Castillo
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Kikuchi: Returns to Seattle with high walk rates and decreased fastball velocity.
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Castillo: Consistent, reliable, and a crucial piece for the stretch run.
Mitch Farris vs. Bryan Woo
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Farris: Unheralded rookie with soft-tossing profile and funky changeup.
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Woo: Will look to dominate a top-heavy Angels lineup with his fastball.
Caden Dana vs. George Kirby
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Dana: Former top prospect with major control issues and rough Triple-A numbers.
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Kirby: Mariners’ control king aims to close out the series strong.
The Big Picture
AL West Standings
| Team | W-L | GB | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astros | 79-67 | — | L-W-L-L-W |
| Mariners | 78-68 | 1.0 | W-W-W-W-W |
| Rangers | 77-70 | 2.5 | L-W-W-W-W |
| Angels | 69-77 | 10.0 | L-W-L-W-W |
| A’s | 67-80 | 12.5 | W-L-L-L-W |
AL Wild Card Race
| Team | W-L | GB | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yankees | 80-65 | +2.5 | L-W-W-L-L |
| Red Sox | 81-66 | +2.5 | L-W-W-W-L |
| Mariners | 78-68 | — | W-W-W-W-W |
| Rangers | 77-70 | 1.5 | L-W-W-W-W |
| Guardians | 74-71 | 3.5 | W-W-W-W-L |
Seattle continues to surge. This homestand gives them a golden opportunity to climb both the division and Wild Card ladders. Meanwhile, the Yankees and Red Sox clash in Boston — a series that could reshape the Wild Card picture.
Final Thoughts
The Mariners are playing their best baseball at the perfect time. The Angels, while overmatched on paper, still have enough power to spoil a playoff push — especially with Jo Adell in MVP form. Seattle must stay sharp and avoid a trap series before a tough road trip looms.
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