Key Seattle Mariners Reliever Battling Previously Unknown Injury

Seattle Mariners reliever Andres Munoz is now battling a hip issue. He previously was on the injured list this season for a shoulder problem.

As the Seattle Mariners battle for a playoff berth down the stretch, they are dealing with some issues in their bullpen.

Per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com on key reliever Andres Munoz:

It’s left hip discomfort on Andrés Muñoz, he said, adding that it’s just been tightness but that it flared up yesterday during a bullpen session. 

But he just threw here at The Trop, said he felt good.

It’s left hip discomfort on Andrés Muñoz, he said, adding that it’s just been tightness but that it flared up yesterday during a bullpen session.

But he just threw here at The Trop, said he felt good.

— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) September 10, 2023

Munoz had been on the injured list earlier this season for a shoulder issue, so it's good to hear that this isn't related to that. After the M's traded away Paul Sewald at the trade deadline this year, Munoz has become even more vital to the bullpen, so his health is extremely key.

The 24-year-old has struggled at times this season, going 3-7 thus far with a 3.02 ERA. He's struck out 59 batters in 41.2 innings but has lacked confidence at times in his trademark slider. 

He was traded to the Mariners in a deal with the Padres during the 2020 season but burst onto the scene in 2022, pitching to a 2.49 ERA over 64 games.

Entering play on Sunday, the Mariners are 79-63 and tied for the second wild card spot in the American League. They are looking for their second straight playoff berth. They also trail the Houston Astros by 1.5 games in the American League West.

At the time of this posting, the M's trail the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 in the third inning, so Munoz's ability to close may not end up mattering.

Seattle will play the Angels on Monday.

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