A poor performance by Mariners closer Carson Smith on Saturday has Lloyd McLendon a bit concerned about workload. The manager has vowed not to overwork the rookie.
The appearance was his third in three days and fourth in five. He pitched hitless ball in the other three, but allowed two runs without retiring a batter Saturday.
"My belief is you try to protect young relievers," McLendon told MLB.com. "You try not to pitch them more than three days in a row, and you see how the ball's coming out. Obviously we don't want him to go out and throw 80 innings. That's not going to happen."
Smith has saved nine games in 10 opportunities and owns a 2.21 ERA.