MLB Game Preview: Seattle Mariners (23-49) vs. San Diego Padres (27-15)

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The Seattle Mariners (23-19) travel to Southern California to face the San Diego Padres (27-15) in the series opener at Petco Park. The Padres enter the matchup as favorites while the Mariners look to bounce back after a 1-5 homestand against the Blue Jays and Yankees.

Starting Pitchers

Seattle Mariners – Logan Evans (RHP, 1-1, 3.60 ERA)

  • Evans has been solid in his first three MLB starts, averaging five innings per outing.
  • He last pitched against the Blue Jays on May 10, allowing three earned runs over five innings.
  • He faces a Padres lineup that ranks second in MLB in batting average (.264) and 11th in slugging percentage (.400).

San Diego Padres – Stephen Kolek (RHP, 2-0, 0.00 ERA)

  • Kolek has been dominant, throwing a nine-inning shutout against the Rockies in his last start on May 10.
  • Opponents are batting just .188 against him this season.
  • He faces a Mariners lineup that ranks 18th in MLB in batting average (.239) and 12th in slugging percentage (.399).

Key Players to Watch

Seattle Mariners

  • Julio Rodríguez (CF) – Has a 1.154 OPS in six career games at Petco Park, including three home runs.
  • Jorge Polanco (3B) – Batting .345 with a .627 slugging percentage against right-handed pitching.
  • Cal Raleigh (C) – Leads the team with eight home runs, providing power in the middle of the order.

San Diego Padres

  • Fernando Tatis Jr. (RF) – Batting .308 with a .943 OPS, fully healthy after an injury-riddled 2024 season.
  • Manny Machado (3B) – A veteran leader, looking to spark the Padres’ offense.
  • Jake Cronenworth (2B) – Has six home runs and a .275 batting average, making him a key contributor.

Game Strategy & Predictions

  • Mariners’ Game Plan:
    • Take advantage of Kolek’s limited MLB experience, working deep counts to force early bullpen usage.
    • Utilize Rodríguez and Polanco’s power to capitalize on Petco Park’s dimensions.
    • Evans must limit hard contact, as San Diego ranks seventh in MLB in on-base percentage (.333).
  • Padres’ Game Plan:
  • Tatis Jr. and Machado need to set the tone early against Evans.
  • Kolek must continue his dominance, avoiding walks and keeping Seattle’s hitters off balance.
  • San Diego’s bullpen must be ready, as Kolek has only two career MLB starts.

Game Odds

Seattle Mariners              8.5

San Diego Padres             – 155

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 15, 2025