5 Possible Replacements for Mariners’ Closer Fernando Rodney

Aug 19, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher

(31) pitches during the ninth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Mariners won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Funky Cold Medina

Yoervis Medina is a dark horse in this race. He possesses a 92 mph fastball, and incredible braking stuff. After Rodney blew the 4 run lead in the East Bay, it was Medina McClendon turned to in the 10th inning with a 1 run lead. Funky Cold Medina has been one of the best relievers in the M’s bullpen in 2015, posting a 1.59 ERA across 5.2 innings pitched. He has struck out 5 and walked 1, while allowing 4 total hits.

The 26-year-old right-hander has been phenomenal for the Mariners over the last few seasons. Since his call-up in 2013, Medina has gone 9-9 with a 2.76 ERA across 130.2 career innings. He has averaged 9.4 strikeouts per 9 innings, and has issued 4.8 free passes per 9 innings.

While his 1.301 career WHIP and 1.97 strikeout to walk ratio leave plenty to be desired, I would list Yoervis Medina as the second most likely candidate to take over for the plummeting Rodney. I think Carson Smith’s arsenal is more deadly than Medina’s, but McClendon is a very loyal skipper, and Funky Cold Medina performed admirably for the M’s in 2014.

Next: Dom Leone