Alright, the Mariners are reportedly calling up slugging outfielder Lazaro Montes, and honestly, it is about time. This kid possesses such raw power from the left side he could turn the Pesky Pole into a pretzel, and after the disaster we just watched, we need all the treats we can get. Our M’s are limping into Boston to face an “actually good team” for a three-game series after getting absolutely blown out in two of three games against the Blue Jays in Toronto. We even blew a lead in the one game we had a fighting chance to win, which feels like a punch to the gut. This east coast road trip has been rough, and we are praying Montes can spark something, anything, in Fenway Park.
Another East Coast Gauntlet and Our Pitching Matchups
After that 0-7 shutout loss to Toronto, our M’s, currently sitting at 64-73, are staring down a Red Sox team that’s 74-63. Not exactly what you want to see when you are struggling. The series kicks off Monday, August 31, at 3:45 pm with George Kirby on the mound for us against Payton Tolle. We are only given a 46.2% chance to win that one. Tuesday, September 1, Bryan Woo takes the hill at 3:45 pm facing Sonny Gray, with our odds slightly better at 49.4%. The final game, Wednesday, September 2, is an early one at 1:10 pm, with Bryce Miller against Patrick Sandoval. We have a 47.2% win probability there. These early start times mean most of us will probably be stuck at work, which might be a blessing in disguise if the Toronto series is any indication. Statistically, the Red Sox have us beat across the board, from batting (101 wRC+ to our 99) to fielding (a brutal -40 FRV for us, 19 for them) and even starting pitching and bullpen.
Boston’s Not So Friendly Returns Just to Make Things Harder
Credit where it is due, the Red Sox looked dead in the water earlier this season, but they have somehow pulled it together with some well-timed hot streaks. They are just four games behind the Yankees for an AL Wild Card spot, even though the Yankees just took three out of four from them in a highly-publicized series. And because our M’s need things to be even harder, Boston just got some key players back. Outfielder Roman Anthony, who missed most of the season with a wrist sprain, and shortstop Trevor Story, out most of the year with a sports hernia injury, are both back. They both turned in multi-hit efforts in Sunday’s series finale, showing zero signs of rust after their long layoffs. How nice for them! We could use some injury returns like that.
So, here we are, M’s fans. A brutal road trip wrapping up against a hot Boston team. We need Montes to be everything he is hyped up to be, right now. It is time to see that raw power make some magic happen in Fenway.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Lookout Landing.
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