Former Mariners lefty just resurfaced with Angels sporting a new and improved fastball

Whether it's overall bullpen injuries or the availability of lefty relievers specifically, the Mariners have been dealing with their fair share of issues this season. And while they've done well enough to rank fourth in the majors with a 3.10 ERA, it feels at times as if the pen is hanging on for dear life. As such, there may currently be some wistful fans watching what's going on with Tayler Saucedo.

Saucedo spent three years in Seattle before being non-tendered by the Mariners after last season and becoming a free agent. He subsequently signed a minor league deal with the Angels -- which he announced himself on Instagram -- and has shown enough for them to recall him for a second time earlier this week. Key to being given this opportunity is a resurgence in his fastball velocity:

It will be interesting to see how Saucedo's improved fastball translates to being back in the majors, with his career-high average of 93.7 mph coming in 2021 during his rookie year with the Blue Jays. For further context, he averaged 90.9 mph on his sinker last season. However, you have to figure he has a genuine chance to succeed just in general with the Angels, based on what he achieved previously in Seattle.

Sure the 32-year-old struggled last season with the Mariners, highlighted by producing a 7.43 ERA in 13.1 innings over 10 appearances. However, keep in mind he missed a couple of months through injury and pitched well in Triple-A Tacoma with a 2.75 ERA in 19.2 innings over 22 appearances.

Angels hoping for the reliability Tayler Saucedo previously displayed with the Mariners

Prior to last season, Saucedo was a reliable member of the Mariners bullpen in 2023 and 2024. During those two years combined he pitched 86.1 innings over 105 appearances, in the process producing a 3.54 ERA. Of particular note in 2024 specifically is that he was used almost equally against both left-handed and right-handed bats, with him being especially successful versus the former (in line with his career numbers).

Now of course it remains to be seen what the former 21st-round draft pick does for the Angels over time, having faced just four batters so far. More to the point, was last year an aberration influenced by his injury issues, or an allusion to what was to come moving forward?

However, you imagine a healthy segment of the Mariners fanbase will be happy to see Saucedo succeed (especially considering the vile threats he and his girlfriend received on social media during his final year in Seattle). And while we won't go as far as calling him one who got away if this happens, we wouldn't blame anyone who does think this. After all, the reality is the M's aren't flush with talented lefties once you get past Jose A. Ferrer and the currently injured Gabe Speier.

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