Closer Andres Munoz is on an Insane Run Right Now For the Mariners

As the rest of the bullpen around him has struggled, Seattle Mariners' closer Andres Munoz is on a great run over this last 14 appearances. Here's a deeper look:

May 27, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Andres Munoz (75) pitches to the Houston Astros during the ninth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports / Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

As the rest of the bullpen around him has struggled at times this season, Seattle Mariners' closer Andres Munoz is on an epic run over the last 14 games.

With Gabe Speier, Trent Thornton and Austin Voth largely out of sorts in middle relief, Munoz has posted elite numbers, cementing his status once again as one of the toughest relievers in the American League.

Per Gary Hill Jr. of the M's radio network:

Andrés Muñoz past 14 games:

16 IP
1 ER
2 BB
21 K

Andrés Muñoz past 14 games:

16 IP
1 ER
2 BB
21 K pic.twitter.com/KeBRQcb3o3

— Gary Hill Jr. (@GaryHillJr) May 28, 2024

Munoz's ability to throw more strikes and get ahead in more counts has certainly stood out in this run. His walk rate currently sits at 3.1/nine after being at 4.0/nine a season ago.

With Paul Sewald gone, Munoz has emerged as the clear ninth inning choice for manager Scott Servais. He's got 11 saves this season and has fanned 32 batters in 23.1 innings pitched.

The M's have needed it as well, considering the injury to Matt Brash that has cost him the entire season. Gregory Santos, traded for to be a high-leverage arm, also hasn't pitched yet this year because of injury.

Munoz made his major league debut during the 2019 season with the San Diego Padres and was acquired during the COVID 2020 season by the Mariners. He first appeared for Seattle at the end of the 2021 season and became a major part of the bullpen in 2022.

Seattle enters play on Tuesday at 29-26 and in first place in the American League West. They'll play the Astros on Tuesday night at 6:40 p.m. PT.

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