Mariners Weekly Rundown: Tough Times have Returned to Seattle

Jun 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) looks as his helmet after it flew off his head while swinging at a pitch during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jun 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Steve Cishek (31) throws a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Seattle won 7-5. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Closer Problems are a Mariners’ Tradition

Steve Cishek has been a steadying presence for much of the 2016 season, but he was anything but steady this past week for the Mariners. The veteran right-hander went 0-0 with 1 save on the week, but he registered a 5.40 ERA and blew a key save opportunity against the Texas Rangers on Saturday night. Cishek posted a 4:0 strikeout to walk ratio, but he served up a pair of crucial home runs.

The 29-year-old Falmouth, MA product is putting together a decent comeback season for the Mariners. Cishek is currently 2-3 with a 2.83 ERA and 14 saves in 2016. Those numbers are relatively impressive, but he has blown 4 saves already this year, and it’s only mid-June.

Next: The Boomstick is Heating up