ANDRÉS MUÑOZ NEWS

Bounces back in second spring game Munoz hurled a scoreless inning in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Royals, giving up one hit while striking out two.

Impact Munoz appeared to be sharper Wednesday, considering he surrendered one run on two hits during his first appearance earlier this spring. The hard-throwing right-hander was a first-time All-Star in 2024 while operating as Seattle's primary closer, and the Mariners solidified his status this past offseason by letting Yimi Garcia go and not making any noteworthy additions to the bullpen. Munoz has dominant stuff, as evidenced by his 33.2 percent strikeout rate a year ago, but he may need to improve a bit on his 11.2 percent walk rate to avoid having his job security threatened atop the bullpen pecking order.

MARCH 6 • ROTOWIRE

Takes seventh loss Munoz (3-7) allowed a run on two hits and struck out one over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Sunday versus the Rangers.

Impact It wasn't a save situation, but Munoz wasn't able to keep the game tied at 5-5 in the ninth inning, instead taking a walk-off loss. He entered Sunday on a five-inning scoreless streak before this hiccup. Munoz has maintained a 2.16 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 76:26 K:BB over 58.1 innings while adding 22 saves in 27 chances and six holds this season.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Strikes out side for 22nd save Munoz struck out the side in the ninth to earn the save Thursday against the Yankees.

Impact Munoz needed 14 pitches to strike out the side in the ninth in collecting his 22nd save. He's allowed just one total baserunner over his last five appearances, collecting one win, three saves and seven strikeouts over five innings during that stretch.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Secures third win Saturday Munoz (3-6) got the win against the Rangers on Saturday, firing a perfect ninth inning.

Impact Munoz was called on to protect a 4-4 tie in the ninth inning and delivered by retiring Josh Jung, Ezequiel Duran and Carson Kelly on 11 pitches. The right-hander was then afforded his first victory since way back on May 5 via Randy Arozarena's game-winning single in the home half of the frame, putting a fitting bow on Munoz's third straight scoreless relief appearance. The Mariners' closer is enjoying a strong fantasy season overall, recording a career-high 21 saves to go along with six holds, a 2.10 ERA, an 0.95 WHIP and an 11.5 K/9 across 55.2 innings.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Up to 21 saves Munoz struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 5-4 win over the Rangers.

Impact Munoz needed just eight pitches (five strikes) to retire the top of the Rangers' lineup after the Mariners pulled ahead in the eighth inning. This was just his third appearance in September after he battled a bout of elbow soreness early in the month. Munoz is up to 21 saves in 26 chances to go with six holds, a 2.14 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP and a 71:25 K:BB through 54.2 innings this year.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Nabs 20th save Munoz picked up the save over the Padres on Wednesday, striking out two over a perfect ninth innings.

Impact Munoz took the mound in the top of the ninth with a three-run lead and managed to retire the side in order on 14 pitches to secure his 20th save of the campaign. It was a solid outing for the reliever after having allowed a home run in each of his last two appearances while the save was his first since Aug. 25 against the Giants. Munoz has now posted two or more strikeouts in five of his last six appearances and hasn't issued a free pass in three of his last four.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles in Thursday appearance Munoz (elbow) allowed two earned runs on a hit and a walk over one inning of relief in a win over the Athletics on Thursday.

Impact Munoz was making his first appearance since Saturday after battling some elbow soreness, and he looked somewhat less than 100 percent while surrendering a two-run home run to Brent Rooker that cut the Mariners' four-run lead in half in the ninth inning. While the right-hander was subsequently able to strike out JJ Bleday to finish the game, it remains to be seen whether the rocky outing was more due to some rust or lingering issues with the elbow.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Battling elbow soreness Munoz said after Tuesday's game that he is dealing with a bit of soreness in his elbow, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Impact Munoz noted that the issue wasn't serious enough to make him unavailable in a save situation Tuesday, but it may still be something worth keeping an eye on. The 25-year-old has bounced back nicely from his three-run outing against the Dodgers on Aug. 20, allowing one earned run and striking out eight batters across his last 3.2 innings.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Collects 19th save Munoz picked up the save Sunday, walking two and striking out two during a scoreless ninth inning against the Giants.

Impact Munoz finished off the Giants for his 19th save of the season though it was his first save in four weeks. It was not a perfect outing for Munoz who struggled with his command, tossing just 10 of 21 pitches for strikes while walking two. However, he also struck out two, including Mark Canha with a runner on third to end the game. Munoz has allowed four earned runs and nine total baserunners over his last four appearances, but still maintains a dominant 1.80 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 63 strikeouts over 50 innings this season.

AUGUST 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Takes loss versus Dodgers Munoz (2-5) was charged with a blown save and took the loss Tuesday against the Dodgers, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out a batter over 1.1 inning...

Impact Munoz was called upon for a high leverage situation to face the heart of the Dodger order in the seventh with a man on second and one out and the Mariners clinging to a one-run lead. He wound up giving up a double to Mookie Betts to tie the game before eventually completing the frame. Munoz came back out in the eighth and put some traffic on the bases before eventually giving up a three-run homer to Jason Heyward to push the Dodgers in front. He's now blown consecutive saves and has allowed a home run in both appearances. Before this hiccup, Munoz was working on a scoreless streak of 14 appearances while allowing just one hit over that span. He's still in the midst of an excellent season, posting a 1.88 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 58:22 K:BB in 48 innings while compiling 18 saves and six holds.

AUGUST 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Blown save, loss vs. Tigers Munoz (2-4) took the loss Thursday against Detroit, allowing one run on one hit while picking up a strikeout in one-third of an inning.

Impact Munoz entered in the eighth inning, tasked with protecting a 1-0 lead with two outs and a runner on third. He'd proceed to give up a two-run homer to Javier Baez, sticking him with a blown save and the eventual loss. Munoz hadn't allowed a run in 14.1 innings prior to Thursday-- he'd given up just one hit in that span. His ERA now sits at 1.35 with a 0.92 WHIP and 57:20 K:BB across 46.2 innings while converting 18 of 22 save chances this year.

AUGUST 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Earns 18th save Munoz walked one batter in a scoreless inning and picked up a save against the White Sox on Sunday.

Impact Munoz struggled with his command a bit after Saturday's four-out save; he threw 11 of 20 pitches for strikes but still finished off the 6-3 win. He extended his scoreless streak to 10.1 innings and is now 18 for 21 in save chances this season. Munoz lowered his ERA to 1.28 alongside a 51:19 K:BB through 42.1 frames.

JULY 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Grabs four-out save Munoz struck out two and did not allow a hit, walk or run over 1.1 innings to earn the save in Saturday's 6-3 win over the White Sox.

Impact Munoz allowed a runner he inherited from Gregory Santos to score on a wild pitch in the eighth inning. In the ninth, Munoz was sharp to finish off his 17th save of the campaign. This was the second outing in a row in which he allowed an inherited runner to score, but he has not been charged with a run over his last 9.1 innings despite a modest 8:5 K:BB in that span. For the season, Munoz has a 1.31 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 51:18 K:BB through 41.1 innings.

JULY 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Grabs four-out save Munoz struck out two and did not allow a hit, walk or run over 1.1 innings to earn the save in Saturday's 6-3 win over the White Sox.

Impact Munoz allowed a runner he inherited from Gregory Santos to score on a wild pitch in the eighth inning. In the ninth, Munoz was sharp to finish off his 17th save of the campaign. This was the second outing in a row in which he allowed an inherited runner to score, but he has not been charged with a run over his last 9.1 innings despite a modest 8:5 K:BB in that span. For the season, Munoz has a 1.31 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 51:18 K:BB through 41.1 innings.

JULY 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Takes blown save Monday Munoz did not permit a baserunner but allowed an inherited runner to score over two-thirds of an inning, taking a blown save in Monday's 3-1 loss to the Angels.

Impact Ryne Stanek walked two of the three batters he faced in the eighth inning, and Munoz gave up a sacrifice fly to Taylor Ward, which tied the game at 1-1. It was Munoz's third blown save of the year, though his scoreless streak remains intact at eight inning since he was not charged with the run. The closer has a 1.35 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 49:18 K:BB over 40 innings while adding 16 saves and six holds.

JULY 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Closes door on Astros Munoz earned a save Sunday against the Astros after striking out the side in the ninth inning.

Impact Munoz sent down Jake Meyers, Trey Cabbage and Joey Loperfido on strikes to end the ballgame and bring the Mariners back to level with the Astros in the standings. He's now struck out six over his last 3.1 innings and is working on a 7.1 innings scoreless streak. The 25-year-old is up to 16 saves on the season and has been one of the more dominant closers in the game with a 1.37 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 49:18 K:BB in 39.1 innings.

JULY 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Earns 15th save Munoz earned a save against the Padres on Wednesday, walking two and striking out two over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Impact Munoz struck out Jurickson Profar with two outs in the eighth inning and worked around two walks in the ninth to secure his 15th save of the season. The righty has yielded just one earned run over his past 10 appearances and is 15-for-17 in save chances this season. He owns a 1.45 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 45:16 K:BB over 37.1 innings.

JULY 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Secures 14th save Munoz pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 2-1 win over the Blue Jays.

Impact This was Munoz's first save since June 18 -- he blew a save June 24, which was his only opportunity over his last five appearances. The right-hander has seen the most high-leverage spots rather than being strictly confined to the ninth inning. He faced the 9-1-2 hitters Friday to earn his 14th save in 16 chances this year. Munoz has added a 1.54 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 43:14 K:BB across 35 innings while adding six holds. With Munoz's usage being more flexible, Ryne Stanek has forced his way into the closer conversation, though the Mariners' recent poor play hasn't led to many save chances for either reliever.

JULY 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Secures 14th save Munoz pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 2-1 win over the Blue Jays.

Impact This was Munoz's first save since June 18 -- he blew a save June 24, which was his only opportunity over his last five appearances. The right-hander has seen the most high-leverage spots rather than being strictly confined to the ninth inning. He faced the 9-1-2 hitters Friday to earn his 14th save in 16 chances this year. Munoz has added a 1.54 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 43:14 K:BB across 35 innings while adding six holds. With Munoz's usage being more flexible, Ryne Stanek has forced his way into the closer conversation, though the Mariners' recent poor play hasn't led to many save chances for either reliever.

JULY 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Receives injection for back Munoz had an MRI and bone scan on his back come back clean, but he received an injection Tuesday to address the lingering soreness, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Impact The right-hander last pitched Sunday in Kansas City and has made just two appearances in June while battling through the back issue. Munoz hasn't officially been declared unavailable, but the Mariners may try to stay away from him for another day or two as he recovers.

JUNE 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Back in action Munoz (back) recorded one strikeout in a perfect eighth inning Sunday against the Royals. He said he "felt weird" out on the mound and was happy with the outing even though he didn...

Impact He was the first reliever out of the bullpen after George Kirby tossed seven innings of one-run ball. Mike Baumann came on in the ninth inning and gave up two earned runs to blow the save (and eventually pick up the win). It sounds like Munoz will be considered available going forward although his back might not feel fully healthy.

JUNE 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Enters double digits in saves Munoz picked up the save Tuesday against the Yankees, allowing one hit and one walk over a scoreless inning. He struck out one.

Impact Munoz has converted on eight straight save chances and has allowed just one run in his last 12 outings. He's one of 10 closers to reach double figures in saves and boasts a 1.69 ERA through 21.1 innings overall.

MAY 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Notches ninth save Munoz allowed a hit in a scoreless inning against the Yankees on Monday. He struck out two and earned a save.

Impact Munoz worked around a one-out single by Juan Soto to finish off the 5-4 victory. Since blowing a save in Colorado on April 21, Munoz has converted his last seven chances, allowing just one run over 13 innings during that span. His ERA is down to 1.77 with a 28:7 K:BB through 20.1 frames.

MAY 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Blown save, loss versus Colorado Munoz (1-2) suffered a blown save and picked up the loss after he failed to record an out while allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits in Seattle's 2-1 extra-inning defeat to...

Impact Munoz was called upon to protect a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 10th inning, surrendering three consecutives singles and ultimately being tagged with the loss. The right-hander suffered his first blown save of the year while the runs given up were his first since April 5, ending a streak of four straight scoreless appearances. Munoz now owns a 3.68 ERA and 1.64 WHIP with 11 strikeouts over 7.1 innings while going 2-for-3 in save opportunities in eight appearances this season.

APRIL 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Shaky in loss Munoz (0-1) allowed a run on four walks and took a loss against the Brewers on Friday. He struck out one batter.

Impact Munoz simply could not find the strike zone Friday. He tossed 17 of 26 pitches for balls and walked four batters, including William Contreras with the bases loaded to end the game. It was his second straight appearance allowing a run but he'd produced a perfect 4:0 K:BB before Friday's meltdown. Overall, this shouldn't have much of an impact on his status as Seattle's closer and should be considered a one-off incident for now.

APRIL 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE