Mariners Analysis: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not

Jun 6, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) shakes hands with pitcher Carson Smith (39) following the final out of a 2-1 Seattle victory against the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field. Smith earned his first career MLB save in the game. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Stock Up: Carson Smith

M’s fans have been asking, no scratch that, they’ve been pleading for it, and the M’s faithful finally got it as Carson Smith closed out the only M’s victory in the past week. The rookie has been lights out for the Mariners all year, and he hasn’t disappointed in the past week. He’s got a 2.25 ERA in the past week, but in his last three appearances he’s been perfect, allowing no hits or walks to opposing batters. His ERA for the season is just above one, and he has simply given Lloyd McClendon no other choice but to make him the closer. I’ve thought he’d be the closer of the future, but with Fernando Rodney as poor as he has been this year, he is now the closer of the present.

Next: Fernando Rodney