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

June 26, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) celebrates the 3-1 victory against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Stock Up: Fernando Rodney

I’m shocked to be typing this, as I thought we’d seen the end of him once his closer role got taken away. But he’s bounced back nicely for the M’s, and in doing so he makes the bullpen a heck of a lot tougher. In the past week Fernando has pitched three innings, striking out three, and allowing zero runs in the process. He looks to be back to the form he was in when he was one of the most dominant closer in the league last year, and that is big time.

It may seem like a moot point, but Fernando pitching like he has shown himself being capable of, is big for the M’s success going forward. It allows for the Mariners to have two big guys at the back of that bullpen, two guys that you know can close it out and get you a close victory. If a pitcher pitches six strong innings and the M’s have the lead, hypothetically you should be good to go from there. Minus today’s game against the Angels of course, but you’ll always have those outliers. Between Joe Beimel, Charlie Furbush, and Mark Lowe, you should be able to piece together 3 outs. Then you can turn it over to Carson Smith in the eighth, and have Rodney close it out. It’s a recipe for success, but for the Mariners, it’s all about getting there.

Next: Stock Down: Roenis Elias