Seattle Mariners Likely to Get Back Key Bullpen Piece on Tuesday

The Seattle Mariners, fresh off getting swept by the Texas Rangers this weekend, could get a very valuable bullpen piece back on Tuesday. Andres Munoz could be activated ahead of the series opener with the San Diego Padres.

The Seattle Mariners, fresh off getting swept by the Texas Rangers this weekend, could use some good news.

Enter this: It seems likely that the team will get back key bullpen piece Andres Munoz on Tuesday before a series opener with the San Diego Padres.

He's been out since early April. 

The following comes from the RotoWire fantasy baseball portal:

The Mariners are expected to reinstate Munoz (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list ahead of Tuesday's series opener in San Diego, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

ANALYSIS
Though Munoz has been on the shelf since April 9 with a right deltoid strain, he's looked as effective as ever since starting a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma last week. He's yet to allow a hit over three scoreless innings, striking out three batters in those appearances while displaying his typical upper-90s fastball velocity. Heading into the season, Munoz was projected to be part of a committee at closer with Paul Sewald, but Munoz may have to settle for a setup role upon his return while Sewald has turned in a 2.96 ERA and 0.90 WHIP this season en route to converting all but one of his 12 save chances.

No matter how the Mariners divvy up the innings, getting Munoz back is a good thing. The bullpen for the M's has been generally good, but it's relied on under-the-radar signings like Trevor Gott and Justin Topa. Having Munoz back there gives some more certainty. 

He burst onto the scene last year, pitching in 64 games and registering a 2.49 ERA. He struck out 96 batters in just 65 innings as the Mariners went to the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

At 29-30 right now, the M's will hope Munoz, or anyone, can provide a spark.

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