Seattle Mariners 2020 Review/2021 Preview – Relief Pitching

Herb Nightengale   |  

Oct 14, 2020

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On the Fence

Carl Edwards Jr.

Before the season, the Seattle signed two veteran relievers who had poor 2019 seasons, hoping to bring their pitching careers back to life. Carl Edwards Jr.and Yoshihisa Hirano. Edwards started 2020 on the opening roster; however, after five games, he landed on the injured list with a right forearm strain, costing him the rest of the season. In his five games, Edwards recorded one save with a 1.93 ERA.

Yoshihisa Hirano

Hirano, on the other hand, started his season on the injured list due to COVID-19. After being medically cleared, he spent time at the Mariners spring training site in Arizona getting into shape, followed by some tune-ups at Tacoma. The Mariners activated Hirano on August 21. By September, he was the team’s closer (by default) putting four saves in the books. His season ended on a sour note with five earned runs in 1.1 innings over his final two appearances. Most likely, the Mariners bring back either Edwards Jr or Hirano. Edwards was better in 2020 and is eight years younger.

Nestor Cortes Jr.

Nestor Cortes Jr. was absolutely awful. The former Bronx Bomber pitched 7.2 innings over seven games, with a 15.19 ERA and six home runs allowed before a left elbow injury ended his season early. Only 25-years-old, Cortes has to show much more next spring to make the Seattle Mariners relief staff.

Kendall Graveman

A starter at the outset of 2020, Kendall Graveman lasted two games before neck spasms sidelined him for a month. Upon his return, Graveman pitched out of the bullpen. He wasn’t too bad over nine relief appearances. The lefty had a 3.60 ERA and .182 batting average against in September. His contract is up, and it doesn’t look good for renewal. Graveman could come back on a minor league contract with a chance to earn his way on the team with a spring training invite.

Next: Page 5 – In the mix

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