The Mariners will take on the Detroit Tigers on Friday night in Game 2 of the American League Division Series, and there's a major question at hand: Will Dan Wilson be willing to go to Andres Munoz before the ninth inning?
SEATTLE -- It's a familiar phrase when an elimination game is on the schedule: All hands on deck.
It's cliche, but in this case, it appears to be true for the Seattle Mariners on Friday night. While George Kirby will start Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers, it appears that Luis Castillo (full rest), Logan Gilbert (two days rest) and even Bryce Miller (one day rest) are available in the bullpen.
And given that deep bullpen, it leads to another question for Mariners manager Dan Wilson: Will he be willing to use closer Andres Munoz before the ninth inning?
Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Andres Munoz (75) during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at T-Mobile Park. Steven Bisig-Imagn ImagesIt's not a cut-and-dry decision. Clearly, Munoz is the Mariners' most effective reliever, and he'd be the guy trusted most to put out a fire, even if that fire came in the sixth inning or the seventh inning. However, Munoz has been open about his usage this year, saying that he's appreciated knowing his role, and being mostly confined to the ninth inning.
Here's what Wilson said on Friday afternoon when asked that very question:
I think we have to be open to anything tonight. That's what this game calls for. And again, that's what these moments call for. And you don't want to get too far away from what we've done that's helped us be successful. But at the same time, you want to live to see another day. So, again, there's a balance there that you have to strike. And, I think we'll be ready for whatever adjustments we have to make.
Reading between the lines
It sounds as if Wilson is willing to use Munoz before the ninth inning, but it also doesn't sound like he wants to use him too out of his comfort zone, either. But if Munoz does get called on early, perhaps Matt Brash, or even Gilbert, could close it out.
Could Castillo serve that role as well?
Only time will tell. First pitch is set for just after 5:00 p.m. PT. The winner goes onto play the Toronto Blue Jays.
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