Deception Is the Key to the Mariners’ Playoff Push

To succeed as a pitcher in the big leagues, you need two of three pillars of the craft: velocity, command and deception. One is not enough—even if it’s velocity. Like the Rays, the Mariners have leaned on deception as a core principle.

Seattle is the hottest team in baseball. It suddenly has the AL West title in its sights. It trails Texas by three games with seven games left against the Rangers. The Mariners are 14–3 since Aug. 2. Their star outfielder, Julio Rodríguez, deservedly gets attention for his molten-hot streak during this run.

Rodríguez has been on a tear lately, helping Seattle rise in the standings.

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