In our Sunday inside baseball page, we review the week that was, highlighting key trends with the Mariners and ranking the top teams around the league.
Stat of the week: .842
The Mariners are 16-3 (for an .842 winning percentage) when they score four runs or more.
Who’s hot
In 15 games since J.P. Crawford’s injury, Dylan Moore has a .267/.340/.511 slash line (batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage) and a .851 OPS with two homers, three doubles, one triple and nine RBI in 50 plate appearances.
Who’s not
Julio Rodriguez had one extra-base hit (a double) over his previous 66 plate appearances entering the weekend, with a .233 average, a .303 on-base percentage and a .250 slugging percentage.
Prospect watch
Felnin Celesten, in his first five professional games, is 7-for-16 with three doubles, five walks and one strikeout for the Mariners’ rookie-league Arizona team. The Mariners signed Celesten for a club-record $4.7 million signing bonus out of the Dominic Republic in January 2023. The 18-year-old shortstop did not play last year because of a hamstring injury. He’s expected to earn a promotion to Low-A Modesto soon.
Ex-Mariner of the week
Ketel Marte is making a strong case for his first All-Star bid since 2019. The 30-year-old Diamondbacks second baseman ranks No. 8 in the NL with a .901 OPS and his 2.6 bWAR ranks No. 3 behind Mookie Betts (3.3) and Shohei Ohtani (2.6).
Power poll
Ranking MLB’s top 10 teams this week
1. Phillies (27-12)
MLB’s best starting rotation? Hot start has Ranger Suarez looking like a third ace for the Phils.
2. Dodgers (26-14)
The Dodgers offense leads MLB in average (.267), runs (215), OBP (.351), slugging (.447), OPS (.798), RBI (208) and walks (171).
3. Orioles (25-12)
Reminder that the O’s also have the No. 1 farm system in baseball. Dynasty, anyone?
4. Yankees (26-14)
Go the distance: Juan Soto (440), Aaron Judge (404) and Giancarlo Stanton (440) hit 1,284 feet worth of homers in the same game against the Astros on Wednesday.
5. Braves (23-12)
Jarred Kelenic hit his first homer for Atlanta on Tuesday, then robbed his first homer in left field on Wednesday.
6. Guardians (24-15)
Former Wazzu standout Kyle Manzardo made his much-anticipated debut in Cleveland on Monday, and he has two hits in his first 14 at-bats.
7. Brewers (23-15)
Milwaukee entered Saturday with a 5-0 record against the Cardinals, having outscored their NL Central rival 34-8.
8. Twins (23-15)
The surging Twins expect to get Byron Buxton back from the injured list soon.
9. Royals (24-16)
Last year, the Royals didn’t win their 24th game until July 1.
10. Cubs (23-16)
Shota Imanaga (1.08) and Javier Assad (1.70) rank first and fourth, respectively, among MLB ERA leaders.
Note: Records through Friday’s games.
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