Bullpen Key to 2nd Half

The Seattle Mariners swept the Chicago White Sox winning Sunday 7-6. It was the bullpen that helped the Mariners win along with home runs from Kyle Seager who hit the first one in the fourth after the White Sox had a 5-0 lead in the third inning. Andrew Moore had his first poor outing giving up five runs on six hits in three innings giving up three home runs including two by right fielder Garcia in the 2^nd and 3^rd innings.

Again the Mariners’ bullpen did a fine job giving up one run in seven innings. Emilio Pagan came in for Moore and pitched two and one-third innings giving up no runs on one hit, two walks and a strike out. Pagan has done a fine job in most of the games he has pitched in. Sam Gaviglio is expected to pitch on Tuesday in Houston. At this point not sure whether the Mariners will send down outfielder Boog Powell or Pagan. A lot that depends on whether the Mariners feel that they need Boog Powell on the bench because of the health of Nelson Cruz or a relief pitcher. Monday’s game could decide a lot which way the Mariners go. Pagan does deserve to continue pitching for the Mariners but need will be more important. If Pagan does get sent down he can’t be recalled for ten days unless an injury happens. Other words the Mariners would have to bring up another reliever within the ten days if they feel it is necessary.

Besides Pagan the Mariners have Yovani Gallardo to pitch in long relief. Also Tony Zych can pitch more than one inning if necessary depending on how much he has been used. Right now the four key relievers that throw right handed are Zych, Cishek, Vincent and Diaz. Vincent and Diaz will pitch the eighth and ninth in most cases depending how much they have been used. They both were key contributors in the series against the White Sox. Most likely they both will have Monday off against the Houston Astros since they have pitched three games in a row. Cishek will probably close in place of Diaz. This will allow them to be ready to pitch on Tuesday and Wednesday against the Astros. Gallardo hasn’t pitched since the all-star break so he likely is the first pitcher to come into the game. He has pitched well since being sent to the bullpen. He could go three or four innings if the Mariners need him to on Monday. The Mariners hope that Miranda can get into the seventh inning on Monday. Gaviglio who probably will start on Tuesday the Mariners will need the bullpen to be ready to go in the sixth inning or sooner. James Paxton should be the starter in the final game in Houston.

The bullpen will be the key to the 2^nd half of the season for the Mariners. Right now Servais has them setup exactly how he wants each one to pitch of course their success will depend on the starters as well. If the starters are not able to go six innings and sometimes seven they will be worn out and not be as effective like they were in Chicago.

The Mariners next off day will be on July 27 while they are at home. The next off day will be on Monday August 7 the day before facing the A’s in Oakland. The Mariners do have three Thursday’s off in August in a row. The first one though will be where the Mariners will have to fly to Tampa Bay after the only home series in August. The third one will be on the last day of August where the Mariners will have to fly home from Baltimore. So the second off day will be the only one that will feel like a day off. They go to New York to play the Yankees in a weekend series after playing in Atlanta. So the Mariners will need to have rest for the bullpen during that period of time. It would not be a surprise to me if they will have to bring up and send down a few relievers during that period of time. So starters you are on to perform well for the next six weeks so the bullpen can be successful. Go M’s.