The math says the Mariners are still alive for a spot in the postseason. The reality of the situation says otherwise. In past years, this would be time for prospects to get big-league experience. But other than Daniel Vogelbach, the Mariners haven’t called up any “prospects” in September.
This isn’t an unfamiliar situation for the Mariners.
Sure there have been seasons where it’s come earlier — like July — and others where it’s down to the final days. But at some point, the acceptance of a fate without the postseason becomes a reality and the remaining games in the regular season become important only for the sake of competition and a final record and not for a spot in the playoffs.