Lloyd McClendon seemed to be stating the obvious when he told the Tacoma News Tribune it's "highly unlikely" that Mariners closer Fernando Rodney will make it to the mound Thursday in Houston. After all, Rodney has pitched four straight days.
Rodney has been lights-out after a brutal start to the season. He has not given up a run in his last seven appearances, notching five saves in the process. The result is an ERA that has shrunk from 16.20 to 5.23.