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Seattle Mariners: A few questions must be answered for pen to improve in 2019

By Herbert Nightingale

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 03: Edwin Diaz #39 of the Seattle Mariners greets Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais after getting the save against the Baltimore Orioles at Safeco Field on September 3, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 03: Edwin Diaz #39 of the Seattle Mariners greets Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais after getting the save against the Baltimore Orioles at Safeco Field on September 3, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /
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ST PETERSBURG, FL: Alex Colome #48 and David Freitas #36 of the Seattle Mariners celebrate winning a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 7, 2018. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Bullpen candidates – The Stars

We do know that Alex Colome and Edwin Diaz will return as the primary relievers pitching the eighth and ninth innings. The Mariners obtained Colome along with outfielder Denard Span on May 25, 2018, from the Tampa Bay Rays for right-handed pitching prospects Andrew Moore and Tommy Romero. Colome had been the Rays closer, however, the Mariners wanted him to be the eighth-inning setup man for Diaz.

At the time of the trade, Colome had eleven saves for the Rays with an era of 4.15. Last year he led the American League with 47 saves and an era of 3.24. Since Diaz had established himself as the Mariners closer general manager Dipoto figured he would be perfect as the setup man. Since then Colome has pitched in 43 games with and posted an ERA of 2.76. So you could say he has adapted to being the setup man.

Diaz, on the other hand, was selected in round three of the June 2012 major league draft by Seattle. He began his pro career as a starter in the minor leagues, but the Mariners brain trust abanded that idea in 2016. They decided that the quickest way for him get to the major league would be as a reliever.

He has a fastball that reaches 100 mph with a nasty slider as well. Diaz was in Double-A when the Mariners decided to recall him on June 14, 2016. That summer “Sugar” struck out 10 consecutive batters in a row on two separate ocasions. By August, he replaced Steve Sishek as the closer. He ended that season with 18.  In 2017 continuing as the Mariners closer, he had 34 saves in 39 opportunities.

This year he is the most dominant closer in all the major leagues. In 2018 Diaz has pitched in 70 games with 55 saves in 59 opportunities with an era of 2.05 striking out 120 batters. In the process, he has become the M’s single-season saves leader.

Diaz’ 55 saves right now is the 3rd highest in major league history for a single season. He is tied right now with Eric Gagne and John Smoltz. That’s two shy of second place and seven away from the all-time lead.

This has been a special year for Diaz and he is only 24 years old. He likely will be a dominant pitcher for years ahead. Sugar and Colome can be a special twosome for the Mariners in 2019 and shorten many games.

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