Oakland Athletics: What Seattle Series Means to Athletics' Playoff Hopes

Well, the Oakland Athletics are against the ropes in their postseason hunt.

The horrific injury that Brandon McCarthy endured from the comebacker line drive overshadowed the three-game sweep from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. 

"Situations like this definitely put everything in perspective," Brett Anderson tweeted. 

Oakland's upcoming stretch of 20 games only reaches the O.co Coliseum three times against the scorching Baltimore Orioles mid-month. The A's traveled to Seattle without McCarthy, yet had his well-being in mind. 

"Thoughts and prayers out to BMac and Amanda. We go on this road trip ready to kick some ass for ya buddy!" Josh Reddick tweeted. 

The three-game series at Safeco Field in front of the recently resurrected Mariner crowd represents the first of many upcoming hurdles to the A's in their hunt. Following the sweep from the Angels, the A's need to play with a "square one" mindset against the Mariners if they desire a postseason berth. 

Losing 3B Brandon Inge's glove, and moving forward without McCarthy poses a morale blow to Oakland. But, they can recover again. The Athletics are a team that rallies together and defies expectations. That's a fact. 

When insiders, analysts and experts condemned the A's after Bartolo Colon's PED suspension, Oakland rolled without skipping much of a beat. 

The Athletics possess the artillery. The big question is, who will be next to step up?

Brett Anderson (3-0, 0.90 ERA) and A.J. Griffin (4-0, 2.26 ERA)  have resurfaced with much-needed shutout potential. In accordance with the recent lineup extension, the melting pot that is the A's lineup can recover from new blood.  

It all starts again in Seattle. Anything less than a sweep in Seattle will essentially be damning to the battered A's, though. Bob Melvin and the Athletics need every ounce of momentum to prevail through their uphill September. And, maybe a little more Bernie.