The Los Angeles Angels have parted ways with manager Ron Washington after consecutive last-place finishes in the AL West, with interim manager Ray Montgomery also out. Washington, who had health issues earlier in the season, was hired in 2024 and led the team to poor records, continuing a long playoff drought for the franchise. The team plans to go in a different direction in 2026, with the next manager tasked with rebuilding a struggling franchise that has not made the postseason since 2014.
Cal Raleigh hit his 60th home run, becoming the seventh player in MLB history to reach this milestone, as the Mariners clinched the AL West title with a 9-2 win over the Rockies, marking their first division title since 2001 and boosting Raleigh's pursuit of the AL single-season home run record.
The Seattle Mariners clinched their first AL West division title in 24 years, led by Cal Raleigh's record-breaking 60 home runs, and have secured a playoff spot with a strong second half performance, despite injuries and a competitive league. The team has shown resilience and depth, positioning itself as a potential contender in the postseason.
The Seattle Mariners secured their third AL West title and a postseason berth, with opportunities to clinch a top seed and a bye to the ALDS by winning their final games. Their playoff positioning depends on upcoming results, but they are set to open the playoffs with two home games regardless of their seed.
The Seattle Mariners won the AL West for the first time since 2001 after beating the Rockies, and now need to sweep the Rockies or have the Guardians and Tigers split their last two games to secure a first-round playoff bye.
The Seattle Mariners delivered a historic three-game sweep of the Houston Astros, asserting their dominance in the AL West and signaling a potential first division title since 2001. ESPN's Karl Ravech praised their performance as a 'very loud statement,' highlighting key plays and their overall strength as they close in on the division lead.
The Seattle Mariners significantly improved their playoff prospects by sweeping the Houston Astros, reducing their magic number to 3 to clinch the AL West title and securing a strong position for a playoff berth and potential homefield advantage in the ALDS. The Mariners' recent performance and standings tighten their grip on the second seed in the AL, while the Astros are now out of playoff contention.
Cal Raleigh set a Seattle record with his 57th home run, leading the Mariners to a 6-4 victory over the Astros, which strengthened their lead in the AL West. George Kirby pitched six scoreless innings, and the Mariners secured the season series. Houston's playoff hopes are still alive, but they faced setbacks including key ejections and missed scoring opportunities. The Mariners continue their strong run, holding the second seed in the AL playoffs.
The Seattle Mariners moved into first place in the AL West with a 4-0 shutout win over the Astros, highlighted by strong pitching from Bryan Woo and key home runs from Julio Rodríguez, Eugenio Suárez, Victor Robles, and Josh Naylor. The victory enhances their playoff prospects, including a likely first-round bye and home field advantage, demonstrating their dominance and readiness for the postseason.
The article highlights the critical upcoming series between the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros, emphasizing its significance in the Mariners' quest for their first division title since 2001 and potential playoff implications, while capturing the emotional rollercoaster of baseball fandom.
Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners set a new record for most home runs in a season by a switch-hitter with 55 and tied the franchise record with 56, contributing to the team's 10th straight win and their push towards the playoffs. Raleigh's achievements have garnered comparisons to legends like Mickey Mantle and Ken Griffey Jr., and he remains humble despite his historic season.
Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh set a new record for most home runs in a season by a switch-hitter with 56, tying Ken Griffey Jr. for the Mariners' franchise record, while also breaking the record for home runs by a primary catcher and tying Griffey Jr. for the team's all-time mark, as the Mariners aim for their first division title since 2001.
Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez is out indefinitely due to a significant ankle sprain, a blow to their playoff hopes as they fight for a postseason spot with less than two weeks remaining in the season. Alvarez was injured after scoring in a game against the Texas Rangers, and his absence complicates the Astros' pursuit of the AL West title and wild card position. The team is uncertain about his return timeline but remains optimistic about their depth.
The Seattle Mariners are leading the AL West for the first time since 2001 after an 11-2 win over the Angels, extending their winning streak to nine games and tying Mickey Mantle’s record for switch-hitter home runs with Cal Raleigh's 54th. They now hold a one-game lead over the Astros, with a key series upcoming in Houston to determine the division winner.
The Mariners, riding a five-game winning streak, prepare for a crucial four-game series against the Angels, who have a top-heavy lineup and roster issues. The series features key pitching matchups including José Soriano and Bryce Miller, with the Mariners aiming to stay competitive in the AL West standings amid a tight playoff race.
