Every save seems to be an adventure for Mariners closer Fernando Rodney, but manager Lloyd McClendon continues to be Rodney's biggest supporter, telling MLB.com that "ERA means nothing when it comes to closers."
Rodney is 14-for-16 this season in save opportunities but his ERA has skyrocketed to 7.08 after allowing a run in seven of his 10 appearances in May. Still, McLendon will continue to send this closer out in high-stakes situations.
"And I've been known to stand up for my players, so I'm standing up for my closer," McLendon said. "He's pretty [darn] good. … What matters is whether or not you can get it done and close the game out."