Rest or rust? It’s not a question the Mariners have had to worry about over the past two decades, making their way to the post-season only once during that time as a Wild Card team. But having earned the right to skip over the first round of the 2025 playoffs, the Mariners are now faced with the question of how to stay sharp during their week off. File it under “good problems to have”—the bye is a clear advantage, allowing teams to rest players and optimize their rotations, and most importantly guaranteeing a first-round win in a short, unpredictable Wild Card series. (If you’re of the belief that the bye week “curses” teams, I suggest reading this piece by Mike Petriello).

“It’s definitely different,” said Bryce Miller. “Five days off when the most we’ve ever had in a week is two, I think. So it’s different. But just making sure we stay fresh, but also that the body’s ready to go and everybody’s feeling good.”

“Like they say, motion is lotion,” said Cal Raleigh.

While the Mariners don’t have experience with the bye week, they’re fortunate to have two coaches on staff—hitting coaches Kevin Seitzer and Bobby Magallanes—who both recently went through the process with Atlanta and were able to provide advice to the Mariners and Jerry Dipoto on how to handle it: “maybe more effectively than my last experience in this situation,” said Dipoto dryly, referring to the 2014 Angels season where Anaheim entered as the AL’s top seed but was immediately swept out of the ALDS by the Royals, 3-0.

Seitzer and Magallanes suggested having fans in the building for a pair of intrasquad workouts, an idea Dipoto said he immediately loved. “The easiest way to create energy is by leaning into your fanbase.”

The Mariners are addressing the question of keeping their players sharp with a week of scheduled activities. To create a competitive atmosphere, the team is hoping that fans will come out to the two team scrimmages they’re holding this week and help create a simulated playoff environment. The scoreboard will be on and the two teams will keep score, a PA announcer will announce the players, and music will play, just like in a normal game. Raleigh joked there might be a financial incentive for the players among themselves for the two games.

“Fans bring energy, and they bring excitement and competitiveness,” said Dan Wilson. “Having some fans in here will be great…we’re trying to simulate as much as possible what the playoffs are like. And fans are certainly a part of it, especially here at home and the electricity that they bring.”

Tickets are just $10, general admission, and part of the proceeds benefit the Mariners Care Foundation. You can get tickets here. There will be concessions and other facilities available on the main level, the Team Store will be open and stocked with postseason merch, and parking is available in the Mariners Garage for $10 while space lasts.

Monday, September 29:
Off-day

Tuesday, September 30:
Light team workout (open to media only)

Wednesday, October 1:
Day Game Scrimmage:
Gates at 1 PM; First pitch at 2 PM

Thursday, October 2:
Night Game Scrimmage:
Gates at 4 PM; First pitch at 5 PM

Friday, October 3
Light team workout (open to media only)

The ALDS begins on Saturday. The Mariners will face the winner of the Detroit-Cleveland series, which will air at 10 AM PT on ESPN Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (if necessary). All games will be televised on FOX/FS1; start times will be announced later, after the conclusion of the Wild Card series.

Saturday, October 4: ALDS Game 1 at T-Mobile Park

Sunday, October 5: ALDS Game 2 at T-Mobile

Tuesday, October 7: ALDS Game 3 at DET/CLE

Wednesday, October 8: ALDS Game 4 at DET/CLE (if necessary)

Friday, October 9: ALDS Game 5 at T-Mobile Park (if necessary)