The Seattle Mariners took a bold step on Thursday, parting ways with manager Scott Servais and hitting coach Jarrett DeHart in a desperate effort to rejuvenate their struggling season.
Whether Servais is to blame for the team’s drop from the top of the American League West to the outskirts of the Wild Card race is arguable. However, what’s undeniably clear is that Seattle boasts the poorest hitting statistics in baseball.
More news: Mariners Make Major Coaching Changes
In terms of OPS+, which measures on-base and slugging percentages, they rank 20th in MLB. Yet, they find themselves at the very bottom in batting average, sitting at a dismal .216.
On the other hand, the Mariners’ pitching is stellar, leading the league with a 3.53 earned run average. This striking contrast highlights their struggles offensively.
OPTA Stats notes that it’s been nearly nine decades since a team led in ERA while having the lowest batting average, a feat last witnessed in 1937.
The Mariners currently have the lowest ERA (3.53) and lowest batting average (.216) among all AL/NL teams this season.
The last team to finish a season ranked as such were the 1937 Boston Bees. pic.twitter.com/YAvghHA8JA
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) August 23, 2024
In a surprising twist, the Mariners have appointed Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez as their new hitting coach for the remaining season.
Mariners officially announce Edgar Martinez as hitting coach for the remainder of the year.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) August 23, 2024
Martinez isn’t a stranger to this role; he previously served as hitting coach from 2015 until 2018 before stepping back to focus on family. Notably, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame the following year.
New manager Dan Wilson expressed gratitude for Martinez’s return, stating, “His deep knowledge of hitting and experience will be invaluable for our hitters.”
Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images
During his 18-season career with the Mariners (1987-2004), Martinez achieved a .312 batting average and impressive stats, including 2,247 hits and 309 home runs.
Living in nearby Bellevue, Washington, Martinez had already been serving as an “organizational hitting advisor” for the team.
“When Dan reached out, I was more than happy to assist for the remainder of the season,” Martinez stated. “I believe in the talent and dedication of our hitters and hope to help them improve.”
Currently, Seattle stands at 64-64, having stumbled to a 1-8 record on a recent road trip, capped off by a three-game sweep at the hands of the Dodgers. Once leading the AL West as recently as August 11, they now trail the Houston Astros by 5.5 games.