The Seattle Mariners watched Edwin Diaz blow a ninth-inning lead on Tuesday night, and they are making a move to rectify their leaky bullpen.
Another closer has lost his spot as closer. After Francisco Rodriguez of the Tigers lost his job last week, Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais announced Edwin Diaz would no longer hold down that position.
Per reports via ESPN, Servais indicated this was not a permanent move, but an opportunity to allow Diaz to address some mechanical issues. Tony Zych replaced Diaz on Monday in their game against Oakland and recorded a save, replacing Diaz after he surrendered walks to four straight batters.
The youngster recorded seven saves this season despite a 5.28 ERA. In related news, the Mariners are four games under the .500 mark.
When asked how the Mariners will proceed at the position, Servais indicated the club would adopt a ‘closer by committee’ approach.
Seattle’s 2017 season has been derailed by injuries, to a degree before the season started. The top four pitchers in the Mariners rotation including long-standing star Felix Hernandez along with left handed Drew Smyly, who was acquired this offseason. And now the Mariners have had to shut down one of their best hitters in Robinson Cano. Needless to say, the Mariners have come out of the gate with a limp.
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Seattle is currently 10 games back of the AL West leading Houston Astros, and are only 3.5 games back in the Wild Card chase. Here’s to hoping the Mariners are able to get their staff healthy and ready to go as soon as possible, and that Diaz solves his issues and can return to his closer role.