Seattle Mariners host the Chicago White Sox on Aug 5, 2025. Can Bryan Woo and Cal Raleigh lead the M's to a crucial win in the AL West playoff race?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The dog days of August are here, and for the Seattle Mariners, every pitch matters. Tonight, the M's kick off a pivotal three-game series against the Chicago White Sox at T-Mobile Park, a matchup that feels like a must-win as they fight to close the gap in the AL West. With a 60-53 record, Seattle is knocking on the door of first place, and this homestand could be the key to breaking it down.
Just three games separate the Mariners from the top spot in the AL West, making every series a potential turning point in the season.
Taking the ball for the Mariners is Bryan Woo, who has been a steady presence in the rotation all season. Sporting an impressive 8-6 record with a 3.11 ERA and a sub-1.00 WHIP, Woo has been a strikeout machine for Seattle. He'll face a White Sox team that's struggled mightily this year, posting a 42-70 record. While on paper this looks like a favorable matchup, the M's can't afford to take any opponent lightly, especially with slugger Cal Raleigh (42 HR, 88 RBI) and on-base machine J.P. Crawford (.358 OBP) leading an offense that needs to provide run support. Tonight is a prime opportunity to set a dominant tone for the series.
While the focus is on the field, the front office has been busy tweaking the roster. The most significant recent news is the loss of reliever Trent Thornton, who landed on the 15-day IL with a left Achilles tear, a tough blow for the bullpen's depth. In his place, Jackson Kowar has been recalled from Tacoma. On a more positive note, starter Bryce Miller has begun a rehab assignment in Triple-A, signaling his potential return is on the horizon. His comeback would be a massive boost for the pitching staff down the stretch. These moves, including Collin Snider being outrighted to Tacoma, highlight the constant adjustments needed to keep a contending roster fresh and effective.
Let's not forget the bigger picture. As of August 5, the Mariners sit just three games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the American League West. The Texas Rangers are hot on their heels, just a game and a half behind Seattle. This tight race means that a series against a sub-.500 team like the White Sox isn't just a series—it's a golden opportunity. A sweep could significantly close the gap with Houston, while any stumbles could see them lose ground to Texas. The pressure is on, and the team needs to play clean, fundamental baseball to capitalize.
Tonight's game is more than just the first of a three-game set; it's the start of a critical stretch in the Mariners' 2025 campaign. With a favorable matchup at home and the division title within reach, the mission is clear: win this series. All eyes will be on how the team responds to the pressure and whether they can gain ground in the thrilling chase for October.
