Mariners fall to Guardians 4-3 on June 13, 2025, despite a late rally. Luis Castillo battles, but pitching woes continue as Seattle drops below .500.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic case of 'too little, too late' at T-Mobile Park on Friday night. The Seattle Mariners clawed their way back in the late innings, igniting hope for a dramatic comeback, but ultimately fell short in a gut-wrenching 4-3 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. The loss drops the team to 33-34, a frustrating step back below the .500 mark.
The Mariners' pitching staff has now allowed 23 runs over the last three games.
All eyes were on ace Luis Castillo to be the stopper, the guy who could halt the team's recent pitching slide. While La Piedra battled, it wasn't the shutdown performance Seattle desperately needed. The Guardians chipped away, and the bullpen couldn't slam the door, continuing a troubling trend that has seen the staff give up a whopping 23 runs in the last three contests. On offense, the usual suspects did their part. J.P. Crawford continues to be a consistent force, and Cal Raleigh's power is always a threat, but the late-game heroics just weren't enough to overcome the early deficit. It's a familiar script for fans: the M's show fight, but can't quite get over the hump.
The front office is clearly not content to stand pat amidst these struggles. Earlier today, the team made a definitive move, sending center fielder Leody Taveras outright to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. Taveras, who was designated for assignment earlier this week, had been struggling to find his footing both at the plate and with the glove. This move signals that management is prioritizing stability and production in the outfield, and they're willing to make tough decisions to find a winning combination. It's a clear message: performance matters, and the team is actively seeking answers.
If you're looking for a reason to smile after a tough loss, look no further than High-A Everett. No. 7 prospect Michael Arroyo is putting on a show. The young infielder crushed his 12th home run of the season on Friday, marking the second straight game he's gone deep. Arroyo's power surge is a thrilling development and a reminder of the high-end talent brewing in the Mariners' farm system. While the big-league club weathers its current storm, players like Arroyo represent a bright and powerful future on the horizon.
One game doesn't make or break a season, but this one stings. The Mariners have to find a way to stop the bleeding on the mound and string together some complete games. With the Guardians back at it tomorrow, Seattle has an immediate chance to wash away this loss, even the series, and fight its way back to .500. Let's hope they come out swinging.
