BOB, GROZ AND TOM

MLB Network’s Amsinger: Mariners may target more relievers in trades

Jun 19, 2018, 4:20 PM

The Mariners may need to add some relievers to take pressure off closer Edwin Díaz. (AP)...

The Mariners may need to add some relievers to take pressure off closer Edwin Díaz. (AP)

(AP)

The Mariners could use some help in their rotation, so it’s no surprise that they’ve been linked to Toronto’s J.A. Happ in trade rumors this week.

There might be another way to address those concerns about starting pitching, though, as MLB Network host Greg Amsinger told Bob, Groz and Tom on Tuesday.

Stelton: Which Mariners should be All-Stars?

“(Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto) might instead go the Washington Nationals route and just continue to add to the bullpen,” Amsinger said. “That’s what we’ve learned from the postseason – you shorten the game. At the moment, the Mariners have three starters they really like, and if they do get to the postseason, maybe that’s what they do instead.”

If the Mariners do indeed focus on making their bullpen one of their biggest strengths, they’re already off to a good start after nabbing former Rays closer Alex Colomé in a trade late last month. Colomé has mainly served in a setup role for Seattle, but he’s also been able to step in to take the ninth inning when closer Edwin Díaz has needed rest. That may be a bigger priority as the season wears on, as Díaz already has an MLB-leading 27 saves, only eight behind Francisco Rodriguez’s record for saves at the All-Star break. This year’s All-Star break, by the way, isn’t for almost another month.

“Adding Colomé was smart. As much as Edwin Díaz is the closer right now in baseball … you cannot expect him to be at this level for (the rest of the season),” Amsinger said. “Adding a guy like Colomé who’s got the experience in the ninth inning was brilliant, a great way to get ahead of it. But they’re gonna need another arm.”

One potential target Amsinger mentioned is Colorado’s Adam Ottavino, who just returned last week from the disabled list for a sore oblique but owns an impressive 0.89 ERA and 0.66 WHIP. Amsinger sees an impact arm in the bullpen like Ottavino more attainable than the front-line starter the Mariners may be looking for.

“The Mariners are going to have to continue to add to the bullpen,” he said, “because I don’t really see the starter out there that’s going to be the big Band-Aid they need to get past the wild card game.”

You can listen to the full segment with Amsinger in this podcast of Bob, Groz and Tom’s Tuesday show.

Mariners’ out-of-the-blue success is a rare surprise in today’s sports world

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Rain Showers
High 52° | Low 42°
Roof is open
Red Sox at Mariners today at 7:10pm

Bob, Groz and Tom

Seahawks RB Chris Carson...

Brent Stecker

Heaps: Bench Chris Carson? Seahawks need him running to make playoffs

Seahawks running back Chris Carson is struggling with fumbles, and it's imperative he corrects the issue, says Jake Heaps. "If this team is going to go to the playoffs, they have to have Chris Carson running the football."

5 years ago

The Groz at T-Mobile Park...

Brent Stecker

Watch: The Groz throws out the 1st pitch before Mariners-Astros game

Dave "The Groz" Grosby was honored by the Mariners on Tuesday night by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Check out video, photos and more from his big night here.

5 years ago

Bob, Groz and Tom...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Highlights from The Groz’s last show on Bob, Groz and Tom

Dave "The Groz" Grosby signed off as a full-time Seattle sports radio host Friday on Bob, Groz and Tom with visits from several notable names from his career.

5 years ago

The Groz...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Watch: Members of the Seattle sports media pay tribute to The Groz

Watch a special tribute to 710 ESPN Seattle's The Groz featuring messages from members of the Seattle sports media to commemorate his 29 years as a daily host in the market.

5 years ago

The Groz...

Brent Stecker

The Groz’s final show on Bob, Groz and Tom airs Friday at noon

Dave "The Groz" Grosby will finish up his 29-year career as a daily Seattle sports radio host on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. on 710 ESPN Seattle's Bob, Groz and Tom.

5 years ago

Mariners OF Kyle Lewis...

Brent Stecker

What sets Mariners OF Kyle Lewis apart from other prospects?

Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis hit his fifth home run in eight games in the big leagues on Wednesday. ROOT Sports analyst Mike Blowers talked to Bob, Groz and Tom about Lewis and what makes him stand out.

5 years ago

MLB Network’s Amsinger: Mariners may target more relievers in trades