In a surprising turn of events, the Seattle Mariners have made significant changes to their coaching staff, parting ways with Manager Scott Servais and hitting coach Jarret DeHart. With just 34 games left in the season, the Mariners find themselves facing an uphill battle, trailing the division-leading Houston Astros by 5.5 games and sitting 7.5 games back of the final Wild Card spot currently held by the Kansas City Royals.

Despite the Mariners' record of 64-64, the team is well aware that they need to make a strong push in their remaining games to have a chance at securing a playoff spot. In recent years, teams have typically needed to win around 86-90 games to secure a playoff berth, with the advent of three Wild Card teams. Currently, the Astros are on pace to win 88 games, meaning the Mariners would need to go 24-10 to match that.

However, the road to a successful finish is not without challenges. The Mariners face the 25th-ranked remaining strength of schedule, whereas the Astros have the 7th-ranked strength of schedule. This means that the opponents the Mariners will face have a higher average win percentage (.514) compared to the Astros' opponents (.486). If the Texas Rangers, another contender for the Wild Card spot, also falter and finish with 86 wins, it could provide a slight advantage to the Mariners in their pursuit.

Although the Mariners have struggled for the past two months, their ability to go on streaks cannot be overlooked. They have had stretches of 6-10, 38-21, and 20-33 throughout the season. If they can reproduce the winning rate they had during their 38-21 run, they would need to go 22-12 to finish the year strongly.

Considering the increasing pressure and the need for a strong performance down the stretch, the Mariners must now look to their next steps in order to salvage their season. The firing of Scott Servais and Jarret DeHart signifies a clear intention for change within the organization.

Firstly, the Mariners must find a suitable replacement for Scott Servais who can effectively guide the team and make strategic decisions during critical moments. The new manager will need to foster a winning mentality and ensure players perform at their best.

Secondly, it is crucial for the Mariners to enhance their offensive performance. Replacing Jarret DeHart with a hitting coach who can improve players' batting skills and consistency will be vital for the team's success in the remaining games. This will help the Mariners generate more runs and overcome their recent offensive struggles.

Lastly, the Mariners need to emphasize teamwork and unity. It is essential for all players to have a shared sense of purpose and support one another, particularly during high-pressure situations. Building a strong team culture can make a significant difference in the Mariners' ability to perform under challenging circumstances.

The Mariners' season is far from over, but every game now carries even more weight. With the right moves, they still have a chance to claw their way into the playoffs. By addressing these three key areas, they aim to rally together and turn their fortunes around. Only time will tell if these changes will be enough to secure a spot in the postseason.