Andrés Muñoz, one of the top relievers in the big leagues last season, was reinstated from the injured list, the team announced Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know:
- The 24-year-old had been on the IL since April 9 with a right shoulder strain and has not pitched in a big-league game since April 7.
- Muñoz, who led American League relievers in strikeouts (96) a year ago, is available for Tuesday’s series opener in San Diego against the Padres.
- The Mariners, who went into their series against the Padres on Tuesday at 29-30, can benefit from Muñoz’s return. The team has allowed 10 or more runs in four of its last six games.
.@Mariners roster moves:
🔹 Andrés Muñoz, RHP, reinstated from 15-day Injured List
🔹 Dylan Moore, INF/OF, reinstated from 10-day Injured List
🔹 Trevor Gott, RHP, placed on 15-day Injured List (retroactive to June 5)
🔹 Sam Haggerty, INF/OF, optioned to Triple-A Tacoma
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— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) June 6, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Muñoz’s road back from injury
The Mariners didn’t initially think that Muñoz would be on the IL as long as he was, but he developed shoulder inflammation in May and his throwing program was shut down. He later received a PRP injection.
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Muñoz resumed throwing recently and was cleared to start a rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Tacoma. There, Muñoz threw three scoreless innings in three outings, striking out three.
With Muñoz on the IL, Paul Sewald has handled the closing duties, going 11-for-11 in save opportunities. There’s a chance Muñoz could eventually get some ninth-inning looks, though that’s probably unlikely initially. — Brock
Injury bug bites Seattle bullpen
A year ago, the Mariners had the sixth-best bullpen ERA (3.33) in baseball. But this season, that mark has slipped to 3.68 (ninth) as Muñoz and Penn Murfee (right elbow inflammation) have missed significant time.
Trevor Gott (3.38 ERA) and two pitchers who weren’t on the Opening Day roster – Justin Topa (3.18) and Gabe Speier (2.53) – have stepped in and pitched well in the absence of Muñoz and Murfee.
Muñoz struck out 96 in 65 innings a year ago and had a 2.49 ERA. He got better as the season went on, as he led the AL in fWAR (2.1) from May 25 through the end of the season and had a 1.57 ERA in that span. — Brock
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(Photo: Daniel Shirey / MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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