Seattle is in the thick of the playoff race, just a few games behind Houston in the AL West and holding on to the second Wild Card spot. George Kirby has been significantly better in Seattle and that's including his only "blow up" of the year, which was in his second start off the IL. Kirby has allowed a run in just one inning over his last two starts at home, and I'm banking on another strong start in friendly confines tonight. Opposing pitcher Jonathan Cannon has had a rough couple of outings and with a moneyline price worse than -250, plus Kirby heavily favored to cover at six innings, this checks out for a pitcher to record the win play.
This play worked out well last night in Seattle's Bryan Woo (and Boston's Garrett Crochet), and I see no reason why it wouldn't tonight on George Kirby. He's one of my favorite guys in the majors, usually is all but a sure thing to go six strong if healthy and just dominated Texas last time out. Counterpart Jonathan Cannon of the White Sox has allowed exactly six runs in back-to-back starts. If that happens again, this is cashing barring a Kirby injury as I don't see the Pale Hose knocking him around.
Vargas went 1-for-3 with a double, a run scored and two walks Sunday against the Guardians.
Doyle went 2-for-5 with a double, a run scored and a stolen base Sunday against the Guardians.
Montgomery went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run Sunday against the Guardians.
Richards secured the save against the Guardians on Sunday, allowing one run on no hits and two walks in the ninth inning.
Martin took a no-decision against the Guardians on Sunday, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk in one inning. He struck out one.
Hancock (6-7) allowed two runs on nine hits, one walk and a hit batsman while striking out three over 4.2 innings to take the loss versus the Rays on Sunday.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson said Saturday that Brash (lat) is "looming" closer to throwing a bullpen session, MLB.com reports.
Donovan is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rays.
Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said July 31 that Criswell (shoulder) has resumed a throwing progression, MLB.com reports.
Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said July 31 that Crawford is expected to be "a couple weeks down" after requiring an injection to relieve inflammation in his left wrist, MLB.com reports.
