Seattle Mariners 2020 Review/2021 Preview – Relief Pitching
- Ljay Newsome, Seattle Mariners.
Future M’s -Cameos in 2021
Ljay Newsome
Ljay Newsome made Seattle Mariners history on August 20 when he became the franchise’s first 26th round draft pick to play for the team. The 23-year-old did an outstanding job in his MLB debut, going three innings giving up one run. When the M’s traded Taijuan Walker, Newsome replaced him in the rotation. After getting roughed up in his final few starts, he’s a longshot at best to make next season’s rotation. The Mariners will give him a shot at a starting spot in spring training, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he began next season in Tacoma as either a starter or reliever.
Andres Munoz
The multi-player deadline trade with San Diego brought several good young players into the organization. Among them was 21-year-old Andres Munoz. He pitched well for the Padres in 2019 with a 3.91 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 23 innings. After one spring training outing this March, Munoz complained of elbow pain. Tommy John surgery was performed in March, which sidelined him for all of this season. When he returns to active duty is unknown. It takes pitchers at least a year to come back from TJS. While Munoz might make an appearance or two for the M’s next year, look for his 102+ miles-per-hour heater to make his impact in 20202.
Aaron Fletcher
Aaron Fletcher came over from the Nats with fellow lefty Taylor Guilbeau. He was promoted to Seattle from Tacoma around the midpoint of the season. The results were very disappointing. In six Mariners outings, Fletcher had an ERA of 12.46 with seven walks and seven strikeouts. Because he’s on the M’s 40-man roster, Fletcher could get some opportunities to pitch for Seattle next year. On the bright side, Mariners top prospect Jarred Kelenic said Fletcher was the best lefty he faced this summer at the team’s alternate training site.
In the system
The Mariners have three relievers who are among their top 30 prospects in camp next spring to make the opening roster, Sam Delaplane, Wyatt Mills, and Art Warren. These “young guns” will add some fresh faces to the bullpen competition.
We will have the final edition of our series later in the week.