Mariners closer Fernando Rodney has allowed at least one run in five of his six appearances in May, resulting in a 9.00 ERA this month. Despite some shaky outings, Rodney has converted nine straight saves since his only blown save of the season April 14.
Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon doesn't appear worried at all about Rodney's high ERA (6.61).
“I don’t think you worry about his ERA much,” McClendon said prior to Saturday’s game, per MLB.com. “A lot of that is inflated from (two early season games). My old skipper told me this a long time ago. Your responsibility as a manager is to get the ball to your closer in the ninth inning. After that, what are you going to do? He either wins it or loses it.”
Rodney entered Friday's game against the Blue Jays with a three-run lead. He allowed two runs on two hits, including a home run, before recording his 11th save.
“He gets those one-run leads, I think he’s a little bit more focused,” McClendon said. “Three-run lead, he’s a little more relaxed. It’s just the animal that most closers are. It’s not just him. I’ve seen it with other guys, too. It gets within one or two and they tighten down."