The Mariners beat the Colorado Rockies 2-1 on Sunday, but the closer left the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. Here's what we know, and what could be coming, as well as who could replace him for the rest of the year.
The Seattle Mariners defeated the Colorado Rockies 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Coors Field to close out their final road trip of the season with a win and improve to 73-83 with six games left to play.
Kade Anderson was brilliant in the best start of his young career and Dominic Canzone delivered two RBIs to pace the offense.
As the Mariners effectively play out the string in a disappointing year, it was a nice way to end a road trip.
However, it wasn't all nice: After allowing a solo home run and a walk in the bottom of the ninth inning, closer Andres Munoz left the game with manager Dan Wilson and the medical staff.
Munoz left a game in Washington in June with back problems, something he's dealt with before, but this injury was attributed to his left knee, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times.
The hard-throwing closer will get imaging done on Monday and the team will see what's going on. Munoz says he's dealt with this issue before, though it's not something we've really heard about.
What's next?
Well, the Mariners are not officially eliminated from the playoff race yet, as they trail the Texas Rangers by five games in the American League West race with six games to play. As a result, they probably want to put their best foot forward until they are eliminated, so they'd certainly like to have Munoz available for the two-game series against the Houston Astros that begins on Tuesday.
Seattle Mariners pitcher Andres Munoz (75) pitches in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn ImagesBut, the Mariners also have to be realistic about where they are at. If there is even a shred of a doubt that Munoz is not OK, they should be willing to shut him down and get him a head start the offseason. Munoz has pitched a lot in the last several years. He's made 60 appearances or more in four of the last five seasons. He also pitched deep into the postseason in 2025 and appeared in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Who would close in his absence?
Well, it will likely depend on multiple factors, namely - if the Mariners are still involved in the race or not. Eduard Bazardo, who got the save on Sunday after Munoz left, could get a crack at it. Furthermore, Jose Ferrer, who has three saves this year, has some closing experience. He picked up 11 saves for the Washington Nationals a season ago before getting traded to the Mariners.
Gabe Speier could also get opportunities.
Up next
The Mariners are off on Monday before beginning that series against the Astros at T-Mobile Park. It's just a two-game series before the Mariners close things out with the Los Angeles Angels from Thursday-Sunday.
