Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz headed to his first All-Star Game

Andrés Muñoz has seen a dream come true by being selected to the All-Star Game, albeit as a replacement for Mariners teammate Logan Gilbert.

The Seattle Mariners have a second All-Star in 2024 after all, when it was confirmed on Friday that Andrés Muñoz had been added to the American League roster. However, it took an unintended assist from fellow first-time All-Star teammate Logan Gilbert.

Gilbert will be starting for the Mariners on Sunday afternoon versus the Angels in Anaheim. With the All-Star Game taking place on Tuesday evening, this doesn’t leave enough time for him to recover and pitch in the Midsummer Classic.

As a result, Muñoz has been called in as relief for Gilbert, quite apt given the former is part of the Mariners bullpen. However, just because he’s only a late replacement, it’s still well-warranted.

Muñoz more than deserving

When the pitchers for the American League roster were originally announced, Muñoz was one of the main surprise omissions. He has been stellar for the Mariners so far this season as their main closer, and in reality having to step in more that manager Scott Servais would prefer due to injuries and a lack of consistency from other relievers.

As things stand, the 25-year-old’s 1.41 ERA is projected to easily be the best of his Major League career. His 1.043 WHIP is on course to be his second-best, while he has also recorded a 3.01 FIP up to this point.

Muñoz spoke to the assembled media on Friday, prior to the Mariners’ second game of their series against the Angles. He said:

“It means a lot (to be selected). A lot of people say the same thing, but it’s a dream come true, and it’s really special for everybody to go in there and be a part of that team.”

Servais spoke glowingly about Muñoz, from his work ethic to his hairstyle! He said:

“He’s constantly learning, but he’s gifted. He’s got a great arm. He’s got a great slider. He’s got presence. He’s got great hair. He’s got everything else.”

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Mariners closer recovers from adversity

The Los Mochis, Mexico native has been with the Mariners since they acquired him as part of a trade with the San Diego Padres back in Aug. 2020. However, he was recovering from Tommy John surgery at the time and didn’t make his Mariners debut until the final game of the 2021 regular season.

As tough as everything was for Muñoz, he is grateful for the journey and what he has learned through adversity, helping to hone his mental fortitude. He said:

“When you get traded and you’re hurt, it’s one of the worst feelings because you can’t do anything about it. But to be able to handle that and do all the work that we did to get out of that … it’s really awesome to see the results of all that hard work that we’ve been doing.”

Muñoz deserves all the credit in the world, for helping keep the bullpen ticking over. Matt Brash is out for the year and Gregory Santos has only just returned this past week from a right latissimus dorsi strain, to make his Mariners debut.

As a collective, the Mariners bullpen is tied-10th in the Majors prior to Saturday’s action in ERA and tied-fifth for fewest walks. They are also second in opposing team batting average and third in WHIP.

The 94th All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday evening at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. And Mariners fans everywhere can feel a sense of pride that Muñoz will get to be a part of all the festivities.

Gilbert and Muñoz both deserve their selections as All-Stars, but who else do you believe had a strong case to be picked from the Mariners? Let us know in the comments section below.