“Mariners Manager Scott Servais Optimistic About Bullpen, But Cautious of Overusing Relievers”

SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners received positive news on Friday, just before their game against the Houston Astros, as left-handed reliever Gabe Speier was reinstated from the 15-day injured list.

Mariners manager Scott Servais provided more encouraging updates about the bullpen during pregame interviews on Friday and Saturday.

Right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek, who left a game against the Los Angeles Angels on July 14 with back spasms after walking the only batter he faced, benefited from the four days off during the All-Star break. Servais mentioned on Friday that Stanek looked good, and on Saturday, he nearly confirmed that the eighth-year pitcher is healthy.

Stanek has a 3.79 ERA this season with 42 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched.

Servais also discussed the impact of Speier’s return on Seattle’s other left-handed reliever, Tyler Saucedo.

“(Saucedo) has had a really good year,” Servais said on Saturday. “He’s been very durable and available most days, but it’s always nice to have a second lefty so you can alternate. I don’t want to overuse Gabe too much initially, so it’s beneficial to have both against a team with strong left-handed hitters like the Astros.”

Speier has a 6.06 ERA this season with 22 strikeouts in 16.1 innings pitched.

Speier’s return follows Gregory Santos’, who made his first two appearances for the Mariners on July 9 and July 12.

Servais noted the importance of not overusing Santos to keep him healthy after his activation from the IL. Santos has performed well in his two outings, and with another left-handed option available, the bullpen appears to be in a good position. However, Servais remains cautious with Santos.

“We’d like to pitch Santos every day if possible,” Servais said. “He’s really good. But we need to keep him healthy. He’ll be available on Saturday after the break — we want to get him back in there. But he didn’t have much buildup, no spring training. We added him to the roster quickly, knowing it was a gamble. We probably can’t use him on back-to-back days.”

Santos has recorded two strikeouts and hasn’t allowed a hit in his two innings pitched.