Seattle Mariners' Andres Munoz Sets Career-High in Team Win on Friday

As he has done so many times this season already, Andres Munoz locked down a win for the Seattle Mariners on Friday night against the Toronto Blue Jays. In doing so, he did something he's never done before in his career.

Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Andres Munoz (75) celebrates defeating the Toronto Blue Jays at T-Mobile Park on July 5. / Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners beat the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night at T-Mobile Park by a score of 2-1. Luis Castillo earned his seventh win of the season on the mound and Andres Munoz secured his 14th save of the year on the back end.

The 14 saves are now a career-high for the hard-throwing right-hander. He had 13 saves in 2023, which was his previous high mark. Munoz has assumed full-time closer duties this year in the absence of Paul Sewald, who was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks at the trade deadline last year.

It's been an excellent season for Munoz, who owns a 1.54 ERA over 35 apperances. Though he's dealt with some back issues this year, he's still managed to strikeout 43 batters in 35.0 innings. He features his trademark upper-90s fastball and an excellent slider.

His domination has been sorely needed for the M's since Matt Brash and Gregory Santos haven't pitched in the bullpen all year. The trio was supposed to represent a three-headed monster for the M's late in games but Brash is out for the season (Tommy John surgery) and Santos hasn't pitched all year because of a lat issue.

The hope is that Santos will be back with the team next week. He's making a rehab appearance at Single-A Everett on Saturday night.

Munoz has worked back-to-back days so he may not be available for the Mariners on Saturday afternoon as they take on the Toronto Blue Jays.

First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. PT as Emerson Hancock (SEA) pitches against Yariel Rodriguez (TOR).

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