The Seattle Mariners are making the American League Wild Card race interesting. The Mariners lead their series against the Chicago Cubs 2 -0 and also announced news about Gunner Mayer and Randy Arozarena.
The Mariners defeated the Cubs 6-5 and 5-4, respectively, in Games 1 & 2. On Sunday, they can sweep the Cubs while continuing to push for the final AL Wild Card spot.
Sunday’s game is scheduled for 2:10 PM Mountain Time, 1:10 PM Pacific Time, and 4:10 PM Eastern Time.
Seattle Mariners Announce Gunner Mayer News
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 20: Manager Dan Wilson of the Seattle Mariners looks on before the game against the Boston Red Sox at T-Mobile Park on June 20, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images)
Before the final game of their series against the Cubs, the Mariners announced news about Mayer.
According to the MiLB Transactions Log, the Mariners have released Mayer, who was playing for one of the Mariners’ affiliates: “Tacoma Rainiers released RHP Gunner Mayer.”
Mayer is a 26-year-old pitcher. The 6-foot-6, 190-pound hurler was a 2019 Philadelphia Phillies draft selection.
In 32 games of Triple-A baseball, Mayer has 51 strikeouts, three holds, and an 0-3 record. Additionally, he has surrendered seven home runs and 20 earned runs while walking 24 batters.
Seattle Mariners Announce Randy Arozarena News
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 20: Randy Arozarena #56 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after striking out in the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on August 20, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
On the other side of the spectrum, the Mariners have announced news about Arozarena.
With Arozarena, he became the second batter in the MLB to do something very special in the span of a week.
“Only 3 players in MLB HISTORY have hit a first-pitch leadoff homer and a walk-off homer in the same game. Two of them did it THIS WEEK,” the MLB shared on social media.
Two of them did it THIS WEEK 🤯
(h/t @SlangsOnSports)
Further to that news, Sarah Langs provided further context to this news.
“Leadoff home run on first pitch and walk-off home run in same game: 8/22/26 Randy Arozarena 8/17/26 Pete Crow-Armstrong 5/7/57 Vic Power,” Langs shared on Saturday night.
Arozarena being mentioned in the same sentence as Pete Crow-Armstrong, during the season that he is having, is an honor in and of itself.
Arozarena is a 31-year-old outfielder. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound player has recorded 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases in 122 games.
On the Verge of Chicago Cubs Sweep
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 21: Leo Rivas #76 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his walk-off single with Julio Rodríguez #44 and Seranthony Domínguez #58 to win during the tenth inning against the Chicago Cubs at T-Mobile Park on August 21, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
With two wins on the books, the Mariners already have a series victory. However, earning a sweep against the Cubs wouldn’t hurt their playoff chances.
According to FanGraphs, the Mariners currently have a 42.2 percent chance of making the playoffs.
At this point in time, the Mariners still have the Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Guardians, and Texas Rangers ahead of them in the Wild Card Race.
If the Mariners can catch fire over the next few weeks heading into the end of the regular season, they could push to take over the AL West Division lead from the Houston Astros.
Considering that they are only three games back of the Astros, anything is possible.
Seattle Mariners Announce Gunner Mayer & Randy Arozarena News Before Cubs Game