Mariners: 3 takeaways from series win over the Oakland Athletics

2) Plenty of positives for the offense

It’s generally accepted the Mariners have a lot of work to do to improve their offense. This much is clear when considering they are still ranked last in the Majors for team batting average, OBP and OPS as of Thursday morning.

At the same time though, there was quite a bit to be encouraged by during the series in Oakland, starting with Jarred Kelenic. The potential star had been given his first day off in the Majors on Sunday, following a run of just 2-for-29 since his three-hit game.

The break seemed to be just what Kelenic needed, as he hit a homer, forced a walk and scored two runs in his return to the lineup on Monday night. He then followed this up with two hits and a RBI single the next night.

Servais said the 21-year-old had one of the unluckiest offensive games he had seen this season in the series finale, although the youngster still managed to add another RBI. Overall, even though the outfielder’s slash line remains poor, he is here to stay and it’s just a case of remaining patient with him.

The one consistent for the Mariners this season has been Mitch Haniger, so his success during the Oakland series was no surprise. However, this does not mean he is being taken for granted.

Haniger totaled four hits, two RBI, three runs and a walk during the three games versus the Athletics. He leads the Mariners in batting average, hits, RBI and home runs, putting him on course for the second All-Star Game of his career.

Kyle Lewis missed the start of the regular season due to recovering from a deep bone bruise on the outside of his right knee. As such, it was to be expected when he began slowly following his return.

However, Lewis is now back in a grove, best evidenced by his batting average, which was just .161 at the end of April. He’s been hitting .276 during May, which has seen his batting average improve to .243 overall and should only continue to go up.

For the Oakland series specifically, the 25-year-old contributed with three hits, two RBI, a couple of walks and two runs. Overall, keep on eye on his home run and RBI totals as the season progresses; with four and eight respectively up to this point, he should set career-highs for both.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention J.P. Crawford. Renowned for his excellent defense, his offense is arguably underrated, while at the same time having the potential to still improve.

Crawford is projected to have a career year with his bat, specifically in batting average and RBI. It is also worth noting his patience at the plate, with him having the opportunity to set a new personal best for walks in a season.

The shortstop’s best offensive game during the Oakland series was on Tuesday, when he was key to the 4-3 win. He had a team-high three hits, while also adding one RBI and a run.

Finally, we have to give some credit to Ty France, who made his triumphant return to the lineup on Monday. He had been out for 10 days with wrist inflammation; prior to going on the injured list he had gone just 2-for-38.

This was a concerning streak, when you consider France is probably the best natural bat on the ball club; the guy can just plain hit. Going on his play versus the Athletics, the time away was just what he needed.

Over the course of the series, the 26-year-old had at least one hit per contest — including two on Tuesday — as well as a walk and one RBI. As long as he remains healthy, he will be key to improving an offense which is better than what it has shown overall up to this point of the season.

NEXT: ENCOURAGING PROGRESS FOR TOP PROSPECT