SEATTLE – The Mariners have been a team predicated on a precise yet tenuous blueprint for success – a strong enough pitching staff, particularly the lockdown bullpen, to compensate for a middling offense.

SEATTLE – They’re 5-8 through the first two weeks of a season packed with more expectations than they’ve had in two decades.

CHICAGO – Less than 24 hours after what has been and could be their worst loss of the season, the Seattle Mariners returned to Wrigley Field unfazed for a perfect sun-drenched afternoon of baseball.

CHICAGO – Even as Andres Muñoz looked normal and healthy on the mound on Friday, whipping two-seam fastballs at 100 mph and nasty sliders at 87-89 mph past hitters, something wasn’t quite right during his scoreless inning. And it became more evident the following day when he would normally play catch.

CHICAGO – In just their 12th game of the 2023 season, the Mariners managed to produce what will likely be their worst loss of the year.

CHICAGO — Two years ago, the Mariners would have found a way to win Sunday’s game in Cleveland through luck or skill or some weird combination of both.

CLEVELAND — One out from closing out another hard-fought victory over a team with similar postseason ambitions, one play from earning a three-game sweep in their first road series and one catch away from offering a solid retort to any early doubt from a less-than-stellar homestand, the Mariners, specifically Teoscar Hernandez, had it all within their grasp.

CLEVELAND – As he caught the short underhand toss from Ty France and stepped on first base for the final out of the Mariners’ 3-2 victory that clinched a series win over the Guardians, Paul Sewald held the ball in his glove, put his arms in a cradle position and mimicked a baby-rocking motion.

CLEVELAND – Some Mariners players dressed quickly, eager to exit Progressive Field and have a normal dinner somewhere downtown. Others relaxed by their lockers, consuming the clubhouse meal and trying to get warm after spending the better part of their day in frigid temperatures in high 30s, made worse by the wind off Lake Erie that seemed cut through their layers of clothing and into their bones.

CLEVELAND – On most getaway days, the Seattle Mariners’ clubhouse is bustling with anxious energy as players and staff hurriedly eat, shower and pack for the pending flight out of town.

SEATTLE – It was a rather ho-hum day for Shohei Ohtani, by his exalted standards.