The Mariners called up their two best offensive prospects within the last week, but should both see regular playing time over the final 18 games?
The Seattle Mariners enter play on Tuesday at 67-77 and with just seven percent odds of making the playoffs.
So, while the Mariners are still technically alive in this disappointing season, they don't have great chances of continuing into October. So, rather than continuing to chase a less-than-likely playoff berth, should they be looking toward 2027 instead over the last 18 games of the campaign?
In that vein, the Mariners promoted top offensive prospects Lazaro Montes and Michael Arroyo in the last week, and M's fans are wondering if each should see regular playing time moving forward.
Montes has started against right-handed pitching so far and sat against lefties. He's hitting .214 with a homer and three RBIs in 14 total at-bats. Arroyo went hitless in his debut on Sunday.
Their playing time is something we discussed on the most recent edition of the 'Refuse to Lose Territory' podcast.
Seattle Mariners designated hitter Lazaro Montes (99) hits a one run RBI single against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Fenway Park. Eric Canha-Imagn Images"First and foremost, I am excited to see Laz Montes and Michael Arroyo be here. I think they've both deserved it. I think they've both earned it, especially when you factor in the injuries that the Mariners have and where they are in the standings. I think these guys deserve to be here by now.
Should they play every day? To me, that answer is no, until the team is eliminated. Right? Until the team is eliminated, I don't think they need to play every day. Because if there is even a fraction of hope that this team can make the playoffs still, I think you owe it to the clubhouse to run out a lineup that is optimized against who is pitching against them.
Like, let's just say a right-hander is on the mound. Well, we know that Randy Arozarena, Julio Rodriguez, and Dom Canzone are the outfielders at that point. Then, I would have Laz Montes be the DH. I'm not benching Cole Young at second so Michael Arroyo can play there. I'm not benching Randy Arozarena in left so that Michael Arroyo can play there.
Conversely, if it's a left-handed pitcher on the mound, then it's Canzone, and Julio, and Arozarena, and I'd put Arroyo at DH, and I would sit Laz Montes. Right? I'm not going to put Laz Montes in that position when I can have Arroyo be there.
So if these guys get out of it, get totally eliminated, then yeah, Laz Montes can play right field, and Dom Canzone can sit, and Michael Arroyo can play left field, and Randy can go to DH, and Michael Arroyo can play left, he can play second base, and Cole Young can get a day off, or whatever it is. Cole Young can play shortstop a day. Like, there's all kinds of things once the team gets eliminated that we can see.
But I don't believe that Arroyo and Montes need to play every single day right now."
Another thing to consider
At this point, the Mariners owe nothing to Taylor Ward, who they acquired at the trade deadline from the Baltimore Orioles. All they owe him is money. He's hitting just .105 in 23 games with the Mariners. I don't think Ward is a bad guy, but it hasn't worked, and the M's don't owe him playing time. I'd rather see Arroyo over him when I can, with him serving as a late-game replacement, pinch-hitter, or pinch-runner off the bench.
Of note
The latest edition of the 'Refuse to Lose Territory' podcast is out, talking about the M's rotation woes, if Lazaro Montes and Michael Arroyo should play every day now, and if the M's really have a chance at the playoffs.
You can listen here, or you can watch in the YouTube player below.
