Mariners: 5 takeaways from much needed series win series versus Indians

1) A clutch performer and a growing liability

Kendall Graveman and Rafael Montero both picked up their fifth save of the season during the series against the Indians. This is tied for the team lead, but any similarity essentially ends there between the two relievers.

Starting with Graveman, he has quite simply been sensational so far in 2021 for the Mariners. We’ve previously written about how a tumor forced him to give up being a starter and move to the bullpen.

The 30-year-old has to deal with some inflammation and pain which limits how much he can pitch, making his performances even more impressive. He continued his excellent form during two appearances against the Indians.

First up, Graveman replaced Flexen on Friday, to finish the sixth and then record all three outs in the following inning. He once again allowed no runs, as he gave up just one hit and notched his fourth hold of the campaign.

The 2013 eighth round draft pick then proved how clutch he is on Sunday, coming in for the ninth inning in a game which was far too close for comfort. However, save for a two-out single, he once more gave up no runs to clinch the series for Seattle.

Graveman admitted after the game that he was made to work for the save. However, as he had said earlier in the season, he finds it fun and believes mentality-wise he works well as a reliever.

As a result of his heroics, the Alexander City, Alabama native improved to 16.2 innings this year without giving up a run, most in the Majors. In addition, his 14 appearances are now tied for the second-longest start to a season in franchise history without allowing a run. (Marc Rzepczynski is first all-time, with 16 appearances in 2017).

As for Montero, while we don’t want to be too harsh about someone who is struggling, something is not quite right. This is clearly not the same pitcher who went 8-for-8 in save opportunities last year.

When the 30-year-old entered Sunday’s game in the sixth, the Mariners held a 3-0 lead. However, he promptly allowed two runs and was unable to finish the inning.

To be fair to Montero, he would have completed the inning if Donovan Walton had made the play on a ground ball. However, the reality remains that the righty has failed to deliver in a variety of situations so far this season.

This is best exemplified by blowing half of 10 save opportunities, which is worst in the Majors among those considered as the main closer for their respective teams. In this respect, Graveman will likely be used more in the role moving forward.

We appreciate Graveman’s scoreless run will come to an end at some point, while also acknowledging Montero is still a fine pitcher who is just going through a bad run of form. Regardless, as things stand, the latter is proving to be somewhat of a liability who can’t be relied upon in clutch situations.

NEXT: OTHER NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS