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3 relievers who could make the Mariners' Opening Day roster
With injuries to Gregory Santos and Matt Brash, these 3 relievers could surprise and make the Mariners' Opening Day roster.
The Mariners have had a couple of setbacks with their relievers this spring, as Matt Brash and Gregory Santos have been dealing with arm injuries. This has put the start of each of their seasons in doubt. Going into this season with two potent arms on the injured list is unfortunate, however, the good news is the Mariners have done a good job in recent years of developing unknown relievers. Finding hidden gems in both their minor league system as well as free agency to build strong bullpens.
This year, the Mariners must find new arms to fill out the back end of their bullpen if Santos and Brash miss extended time due to injury. Those pitchers have had opportunities to prove themselves during Spring Training. Given the Mariners' current injury situation, multiple Spring Training invites could have a chance to make the Opening Day roster.
Since the Mariners traded Justin Topa and Isaiah Campbell this past winter, they face a unique challenge. Seattle needs to replace the two pitchers they traded and try to find pitchers who can fill the void while Santos and Brash are injured. The Mariners still have relievers Andres Munoz, Gabe Speier, and Tayler Saucedo from last year's team. They will need to find additional relievers to fill out the rest of their bullpen following injuries and trades this off-season. Here are three new Mariners relievers who could make the Opening Day roster out of Spring Training:
New Reliever #1 Jhonathan Diaz
One of the best stories in Spring Training so far has been the play of pitcher Jhonathan Diaz. The Mariners took a chance on the 27-year-old after the Angels released him following the 2023 season. Diaz has been both a starting pitcher and a reliever for the Angels for the past three seasons. He has been up and down from AAA Salt Lake and the major leagues during that time. Diaz has a 4.84 ERA in the big leagues while posting a 3.66 ERA in his minor league career.
In Spring Training, Diaz has made three appearances giving up just two earned runs in six innings pitched, striking out seven, and walking none. He has done a good job of showing what he is capable of. The question is can Diaz continue to be effective enough to make the Opening Day roster? The Mariners already have two left-handed relievers in Gabe Speier and Tayler Saucedo. Would they want to add another lefty?
What might be beneficial for Diaz, is the Mariners currently do not have any left-handed starting pitching options. Should the Mariners want a lefty who could make spot starts for their roster, Diaz is a possible fit. The Mariners have done a tremendous job of converting starting pitchers to relievers in the past. Kendall Graveman and Matt Brash are fine examples of that. Perhaps the Mariners could try to do the same with Jhonathan Diaz as well.
New Reliever #2 Carlos Vargas
The Mariners acquired reliever Carlos Vargas from the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of the Eugenio Suarez trade. Vargas has a lively arm and can generate a ton of velocity with his cut fastball topping the upper 90s. His biggest issue is going to be learning to command the strike zone better. He had 36 SO to 32 BB in AAA Reno last year. This shows there is clearly room for improvement for Vargas if he wants to take the next step in his career.
Vargas still has plenty of time to prove himself, as he is just 24 years old and still has not had a full season in the major leagues. He does possess the ability to develop into a premier reliever should he figure out how to command his pitches. Vargas has averaged 8.8 SO per 9 IP in his four-year minor league career. Flashing swing and miss stuff which could eventually translate to the big leagues. The Mariners have done a good job of turning relievers around before and Vargas could be the next one who figures out how to pitch in Seattle.
During Spring Training, Vargas has been up and down at times. He has had three clean outings where did not give up a run in a relief appearance. While also having two less-than-stellar relief appearances where he gave up multiple hits, surrendering runs in each of those opportunities. Vargas has seven strikeouts and three walks across five innings pitched this spring. Once again showing his potential, but also demonstrating that Vargas needs to locate better to pitch at the major league level.
New Reliever #3 Tyson Miller
Tyson Miller could surprise and make the 2024 Opening Day roster. He has had a good spring and is looking to make the team. Miller has bounced around the league, with stops in Milwaukee, Texas, Chicago (Cubs), New York (Mets), and Los Angeles (Dodgers) organizations. In seven minor league seasons, Miller produced an ERA of 4.00 with 8.8 SO per 9 IP. In his major league career, Miller has a 6.97 ERA and finished 2023 with a 4.70 ERA.
Miller has been a true journeyman reliever having played for five different organizations in a span of four years. His numbers this spring have been decent, as Miller has given up just two unearned runs in five innings pitched. Along with seven strikeouts to two walks, while surrendering five hits. Due to the injuries to the Mariners bullpen and Miller's experience as a big league reliever, Miller has a chance to make the Mariners roster out of Spring Training.
How long Miller stays on the Mariners roster would depend on how well he performs at the big league level. He could become the Mariners' next Justin Topa or go the way of Trevor Gott. The Mariners have several relievers in Spring Training camp competing for roster spots, with Tyson Miller among them. At 28 years old, Miller is doing the best he can to make an impression on the Mariners front office and coaching staff. Hoping they give him an opportunity to be on the roster come Opening Day.