The Mariners could look for further reinforcements by tapping into the Farm System

We are through the trade deadline, and even a handful of national pundits dished out solid grades for the team's handling of what could be a make-or-break season for Jerry Dipoto and Scott Servais. The Mariners' roster is significantly better, thanks to the impactful additions of JT Chargois, Justin Turner, Randy Arozarena, and Yimi Garcia. Their presence is surely spicing up the team's performance. 

However, just because we are past the trade deadline doesn't mean there aren't additional levers Justin Hollander and Jerry Dipoto can pull to keep pace and hopefully overtake the Houston Astros. One of those levers includes calling up minor leaguers who could play a specific role on a team with playoff aspirations. We've already seen Emerson Hancock, Ryan Bliss, and Tyler Locklear get sporadic playing time and have varying degrees of success, so let's remove them from our list. 

The Mariners' bullpen has regressed this season (11th in MLB) and rightfully so. That's what happens when shutdown reliever Matt Brash goes under the knife (TJ), key offseason addition Gregory Santos spends most of the season on the shelf, and Gabe Speier takes a step back stuff wise. Thankfully, closer Andres Munoz is authoring a spectacular season, and unsung arms Collin Snider and Tayler Saucedo are providing a boost. But the Mariners need more from the pen, and I'd argue they should call up Arkansas closer, Troy Taylor. 

Taylor has had a meteoric rise through the Mariners' farm system this season jumping two levels. Oh, and he is absolutely shoving in the Texas League right now. Since mid-April, the 22-year-old flamethrower is sporting a 0.96 ERA and holding opposing batters to a .134 average. Inserting Taylor into a bridge role could do wonders for this team and effectively allow Servais to shorten games even more. I'd argue with Santos again on the injured list, Taylor should be the first reliever up to the big league club. 

The Mariners' bench leaves something to be desired these days. We are talking about Cade Marlowe, Leo Rivas, Jason Vosler, and a seemingly broken Mitch Garver. While Bliss or Locklear could make the trip up the I-5 from Tacoma and start one to two times a week this time of year benches are used sporadically. And when they are used it's all about adding a skillset the 26-man roster lacks. That skill is contact in the form of the newly acquired Rhylan Thomas. 

Hollander acquired Thomas in the Ryne Stanek trade, and he has immediately paid dividends getting on base in his first four games as a Mariner farmhand. The 24-year-old outfielder can play all three positions, offers above-average athleticism, and has a history of making contact. These are the types of players who can make a difference down the stretch, whether it is making a productive out to move a runner over, taking an extra base, or providing a banged-up starter (see Victor Robles) a few innings off his feet. 

It's the dog days of summer, the time when bumps and bruises are up and down the roster. Why not call up a couple of youngsters to infuse more energy and talent into the clubhouse, and help this team continue to maximize an opportunity to snag the American League West crown?