Mariners reliever Carson Smith will remain manager Lloyd McClendon's top choice to close out games. However, it appears Fernando Rodney might be closer to regaining the ninth-inning role after throwing three straight scoreless outings.
“Obviously, Carson has done a nice job,” McClendon said Wednesday, per The News Tribune. “I’ve said all along the biggest question with Carson is the ability to go back-to-back and, sometimes, back-to-back-to-back (or) three out of five.
“I will say this: Probably on days when Smith can not go, you might see Rodney or a combination of Rodney and somebody else.”
McClendon is really pleased to see Rodney getting on track.
“A lot of ground balls,” McClendon said. “A lot of strikes. Adding and subtracting from the fastball. Slowing down and letting the arm catch up. He’s close.
“Listen, we need Fernando Rodney if we’re going to be successful this year. I think he’s well on his way back to being that pitcher that we all want him to be. When he’s hitting his spots, he can get easy outs.”