Seattle Mariners pitcher Andres Munoz set to return in June

Seattle Mariners reliever Andres Munoz is scheduled to return in June 2021

Andres Munoz joined the Seattle Mariners at the most recent trade deadline when general manager Jerry Dipoto sent Austin Nola and two relievers to San Diego. Taylor Trammell was the headline in the trade, but Andres Munoz is a sneaky acquisition for Seattle.

Munoz is a 6’2″ right-handed pitcher that will turn 22-years-old in mid-January. The Mexican-born former Padres pitcher had Tommy John surgery in March and missed the 2020 season. He made his debut in 2019 as a 20-year-old and threw 23 innings for San Diego. He posted a 3.91 ERA, struck out 30 batters, and walked 11.

As Sam Dykstra mentioned, Munoz had a high-90s fastball prior to the surgery. Tommy John surgery has become a regular it seems nowadays, but it is not an easy surgery to come back from. Although, we have seen some really great pitchers bounce back after Tommy John surgery. Jacob DeGrom is one example.

Munoz’s name was mentioned in the recent Scott Servais press conference. Ryan Divish Tweeted that Munoz is on track for a June return. Obviously, things can change, but that is a promising sign for the very young pitcher.

The recent additions of Rafael Montero and Keynan Middleton also help ease some of the pressure that might have been put on Munoz to recover quickly. But now that Jerry Dipoto has added some veteran relievers, Andres Munoz can really focus on getting healthy and pitching beyond 2021.

Munoz has graduated from the “prospect” status so he is not listed on the Mariners’ top prospects list, but he definitely would have been near the top. He has an outstanding fastball, and a plus slider to go with it.

Andres’ motion reminds me of All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel. He raises his front leg pretty high while keeping it close to his body, and keeps his body well controlled as he explodes downhill.

I hope Andres Munoz does not have any setbacks during his recovery because I am very excited to see him pitch for the Mariners. If he can find his pre-surgery form, he might be a crucial part of the Seattle Mariners’ future success when the team starts to turn the ship.