Seattle Mariners Bullpen: 2021 Opening Day vs. 2020
Herb Nightengale
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Rest of the staff
The other members of this year’s bullpen beginning the season besides the two lefties and Graveman are Keynan Middleton, Rafael Montero, Casey Sadler, Drew Steckenrider, and Will Vest.
Domingo Tapia
Domingo Tapia would have made the team if not for an early April oblique injury. Before the Mariners claimed him off of waivers on September 11, Tapia pitched in only five games with a 2.08 ERA and four strikeouts in 4.1 innings. Look for the hard-throwing righty to be a big part of the pen when he returns.
Rafael Montero
Seattle traded for closer Rafael Montero from the Texas Rangers during the off-season. Another pitcher who began his career as a starter, Texas converted Montero to the pen in 2019. Last season he moved to late relief, succeeding in eight-of-eight save opportunities. Montero threw 17.1 innings over 17 appearances, with a 4.08 ERA and 1.019 WHIP.
Keynan Middleton
Keynan Middleton pitched last season for the Los Angeles Angels. Middleton spent a good part of 2020 coming back from Tommy John surgery, which also sidelined him for most of the 2019 season. Middleton signed with the Seattle Mariners as a free this winter. A fully recovered Middleton is a definite upgrade as a setup man.
Will Vest
Will Vest is the Seattle Mariners’ latest Rule 5 draft player. Selected from the Detroit Tigers, Vest will start the season in non-crucial situations. The 25-year-old must stay on the M’s roster all year, or Seattle has to option Vest back to Detroit.
Drew Steckenrider
It was a mild surprise when non-roster invitee Drew Steckenrider made the M’s opening day roster. He has talent, but like many other Seattle Mariners relievers, Steckenrider is on the comeback trail from injuries. In fact, he sat out the entire 2020 season. He’ll need to be the pre-injury version of Drew Steckenrider to stay with the team all season.
And there’s more
The Mariners bullpen looks much better than last year’s team. Not only do they have a closer as well as the setup relievers they lacked last season, but they also have depth in the alternate camp. Ramirez, Brandon Brennan, Joey Gerber, Wyatt Mills, Ljay Newsome, Erik Swanson, and lefty Aaron Fletcher are only a phone call away from joining the team.
Related Story: Seattle Mariners comprehensive 2021 team preview
What do you think about the 2021 Seattle Mariners Opening Day bullpen? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.