Seattle Mariners' Closer Offers Extremely Interesting Answer on How He's Been Used This Year

Several fans, including myself, have questioned why Andres Munoz hasn't pitched in the eighth inning much this season, but the man himself offered an interesting answer as to what makes him feel comfortable on Saturday night.

Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Andres Munoz (75) pitches to the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at T-Mobile Park on May 13. | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

The Seattle Mariners earned a much-needed victory on Saturday night, beating the San Diego Padres 4-1 at Petco Park.

With the win, the M's have now taken the series against one of the best teams in baseball and they will go for a sweep on Sunday afternoon. Seattle is 25-19 and leads the American League West, while San Diego is 27-17 and in second in the National League West.

Rowdy Tellez and Cal Raleigh provided big home runs in the win, and Dylan Moore had a two-run single in the ninth inning. Gabe Speier earned the win out of the bullpen, while Andres Munoz earned the save, his 14th of the year.

Notably, Munoz appeared in the eighth inning, attempting his first four-out save of the season. Several fans and media members, including myself, have called for Munoz to pitch in the eighth inning more often, but manager Dan Wilson has been hesitant to do it.

Perhaps part of the reason why is because of what Munoz said after the game, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com:

Andrés Muñoz on pitching in a more inning-specific role this year:

"It's been really, really good for me, because I know when I'm going to get in. There are some exceptions, but most of the times, I know when I go to get in ... And I think that has been a huge difference."

Andrés Muñoz on pitching in a more inning-specific role this year:

"It's been really, really good for me, because I know when I'm going to get in. There are some exceptions, but most of the times, I know when I go to get in ... And I think that has been a huge difference."

— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) May 18, 2025

It's an interesting answer by Munoz, who clearly feels more comfortable being deployed this way. For what it's worth, Munoz also pitched well in Scott Servais's "pocket system," but it doesn't mean he necessarily enjoyed the uncertainty of knowing when he was going in the game.

The 26-year-old is out to a fantastic start this year, going 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA through his first 20 games. An All-Star last season, he's on track to earn his second straight trip to the Midsummer Classic.

The Mariners will play the Padres again on Sunday afternoon at 1:10 p.m. PT.

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BIG QUESTION FOR GILBERT: Logan Gilbert is working his way back from a Grade 1 flexor strain, but when he comes back, will he be able to use his splitter? CLICK HERE:

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