July 29, 2021
Tampa Bay Rays — The second-place Rays traded their 2021 saves leader Diego Castillo to the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. With Pete Fairbanks going on the IL after injuring his shoulder last night, save opportunities should be split among a committee of Jeffrey Springs, Andrew Kittredge, Matt Wisler, and Drew Rasmussen. Note also that Nick Anderson is rehabbing successfully and should be back with the team within the next few weeks.
Updated hierarchy: *Springs | Kittredge | Wisler.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners — As promised by GM Jerry Dipoto, the other shoe has dropped. The Mariners have acquired Diego Castillo from the Rays, just days after dealing away closer Kendall Graveman. We think Castillo will move to the lead role in the ninth inning, but we’re not ready to say he wins the job outright over Paul Sewald, who has been awesome (2.30 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 54 Ks in 31.1 IP) so far in 2021.
Updated hierarchy: *Castillo | Sewald | Steckenrider.
* = closer-by-committee
