Mariners Weekly Rundown: Who’s Hot & Who’s Not

Sep 9, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Vidal Nuno (38) throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Vidal Nuno – Not

Vidal Nuno only made one start this week for the Mariners, but it was memorable for the wrong reasons. The 28-year-old southpaw was lit up by the Texas Rangers, allowing 5 runs on 5 hits through 3.1 innings. Nuno struck out 3 and walked 4 en route to picking up the loss. The opposition hit .357, and Nuno allowed 2.70 walks/hits per inning.

Despite his rough week, Nuno has been a very pleasant surprise this season with the M’s. Considered an afterthought in the Mark Trumbo trade, Nuno has gone 1-3 with a 3.64 ERA across 29 appearances. He has been much more effective working out of the bullpen, as he sports a 1.91 ERA through 37.2 innings as a reliever.

Vidal Nuno is a very versatile pitcher who should factor into the Mariners’ 2016 plans. Nuno has demonstrated an ability to be a spot starter, a swing man, a middle reliever and a lefty specialist. I expect he will supplant Joe Beimel as the M’s second southpaw next season in the bullpen.

Next: Cano Cannot be Stopped