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
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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 10
Next
Jun 9, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit (53) wipes his face after getting pulled in the eighth inning after giving up three runs against the Cleveland Indians at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit (53) wipes his face after getting pulled in the eighth inning after giving up three runs against the Cleveland Indians at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Benoit has Bumpy Week

Things did not go smoothly for Joaquin Benoit this week. The 38-year-old right-hander struggled as the Mariners setup man, going 0-1 with a 10.12 ERA across 3 appearances. Benoit allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 3 hits, including 2 home runs. He struck out 1 and walked 1 through 2.2 innings pitched. All in all, it was a pretty forgettable week for Benoit.

Benoit has been somewhat of a disappointment in his first season with Seattle. After registering a sub-3 ERA in each of the prior three seasons, Benoit has gone 1-1 with a 4.26 ERA through his first 13 appearances in 2016. He has also spent some time on the disabled list. With a number of quality righty relievers in the M’s bullpen, Benoit will need to improve if he hopes to hang on to 8th inning duties.

Next: Pax-Man was a Superhero this Week