Mariners Game #84 Preview: 7/1/25, KC at SEA

The Mariners start a new month looking to close the gap in the AL West

The month of June started miserably for the Mariners with two sweeps at the hands of the Orioles and Diamondbacks sandwiching a series loss to the Angels. The Mariners clawed back over a long, weird roadtrip where they managed a series win in the heat and wind of Wrigley, a series split in soggy, humid Minnesota, and a series win in Texas despite needing three straight extra inning contests to do so. They’re still mired in a lengthy stretch of play with six more games to go before a precious off-day, but they’re back home, at least, starting the new month after a win in the series opener against the Royals.

Lineups:

I have to say, I dig this Royals lineup graphic. It feels like a 90s baseball card, aesthetically. This is essentially the same lineup the Mariners saw yesterday, with the difference of Nick Loftin taking the place of Jonathan India at second base; India moves to DH, and top prospect Jac Caglianone moves into the field in place of defensive standout but light-hitting Drew Waters.

Former Red Michael Lorenzen takes the ball for the Royals, meaning the Mariners will somehow see even more pitch variety than they did yesterday.

News:

• Collin Snider threw a bullpen today to live hitters (Miles Mastrobuoni and Ben Williamson). Dan Wilson was pleased with how it went: “I thought the breaking ball was pretty sharp and the velo was where we wanted it to be, and I thought it was about as crisp as it could be.”
• The Mariners announced their minor-league awards today; read more here. Hitter of the Month Michael Arroyo already has a triple and a single in tonight’s Double-A game, fyi.

• Cal Raleigh got in a little practice for the HR derby with his dad, Todd, who was here to throw to him.

Captain’s Log:

Dan Wilson on Dominic Canzone’s improvements since being recalled:

“Obviously, being able to hit the off-speed stuff has been big for him, and he’s had some big home runs, he’s been able to drive it. That’s the important thing. I feel like someone’s in a good spot when they’re able to stay back and drive an off-speed pitch, and he’s got as quick of hands as anyone we’ve seen, and he’s had some really good at-bats.”

Game Information:

Game time: 6:40 PT

TV: ROOT Sports NW, with Aaron Goldsmith and Ryan Rowland-Smith, with Jen Mueller as field reporter

Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.

Kate’s Fresh Pick:

In honor of Cal Raleigh heading to the All-Star Game (vote Cal!), a new feature. My Fresh Pick today is Luke Raley, who was hitting some Luke Nukes during BP—although to be fair J.P. put one practically on the concourse in right field, so maybe it’s just that kind of day at the park.

Today in Mariners History:

• 1980: The Mariners build a 4-0 lead against the Rangers that Floyd Bannister loses in a five-run seventh-inning, but Bruce Bochte comes up with a two-run walkoff single against Sparky Lyle to give the Mariners a 5-4 win
• 1992 - The Baseball Club of Seattle, L.P., assumes control of the Seattle Mariners. Chuck Armstrong is named President.
• 2007 - Mike Hargrove resigns as the manager of the Seattle Mariners with the team in first place in the AL West.
• 2023: The Mariners defeat the Rays, 8-3. Future Mariner Luke Raley evens the score at two in the sixth with a two-run homer off George Kirby. Fellow future Mariner Randy Arozarena goes 0-for-3 against Kirby with a strikeout. J.P. Crawford has a three-hit game with a double, a homer, and a walk off Tyler Glasnow, as well as an RBI single.