Seattle Mariners Rumors: Edwin Diaz Gets Promotion, Set To Become New Mariners Closer?

Seattle Mariners rumors indicate some great news for Edwin Diaz. These Mariners rumors state that Diaz is being added to the 40-man roster and that he will be promoted to the 25-man roster as well. A report from the Seattle Times just revealed that the top pitching prospect for the Mariners will have his contract selected from Double-A Jackson. The report goes on to state that he would be available to pitch against the Texas Rangers on Saturday night, June 4.

Diaz has been pitching for Double-A Jackson this season, the second time he has been with the team. Through 16 appearances this year, Diaz has a 2.88 ERA and 0.959 WHIP over 40 2/3 innings of work. Diaz had started six games for the team before being moved into a relief role. As a reliever, Diaz pitched in 10 games, with batters going just 3-for-39 at the plate against him. That works out to a batting average of just .077 for opponents. This is why the Mariners feel he is ready for MLB competition.

While these Seattle Mariners rumors haven’t been confirmed by the team just yet, the Seattle Times is an extremely reliable source when it comes to stories about the team. Fans should be able to see Edwin Diaz in uniform for the first time on Saturday night, with the possibility that he could even appear in the game against the Texas Rangers. His last appearance with Jackson was on June 2, giving him a day of rest before getting the call. If Diaz does enter the game, it would be in a relief role.

The short-term plan for the Mariners will likely be to get Diaz accustomed to pitching at the highest level of baseball. A long-term plan that seems to be in play, is for Diaz to become a closer for the Mariners. That could be possible for the 2017 MLB season, but maybe even sooner of Steve Cishek has any troubles closing games this summer. Diaz was originally used as a starting pitcher in the minor leagues, but since getting converted to an ace in the bullpen, he has found even more success.

Edwin Diaz is currently listed as the second best prospect in the Seattle Mariners’ organization. He was a third-round selection in the 2012 MLB Draft and has been pitching in the minor leagues since then. Diaz has a plus fastball that can reach 98 mph on the mound and it works well with a devastating slider that he has been working on. Those are classified as his two “primary weapons” in most scouting reports, but he has added a changeup that has been getting better during the 2016 season.

There had been questions inside the organization about whether Diaz had the body type that could withstand starting 32 games a year at the Major League level. With a new general manager in place, the team decided to see what he could do in the bullpen. Diaz immediately impressed the Mariners’ coaching staff and front office, which is likely why this promotion has come much earlier than expected. While the front office also hasn’t commented on the possible promotion, it makes sense given how taxed the Mariners’ bullpen has been lately.

Last season, Edwin Diaz was selected to pitch for Team World during the All-Star Futures Game at the Great American Ballpark. He likely would have appeared at the event again during the 2016 All-Star Game, but it appears that he will instead take a spot on the 25-man roster for the Seattle Mariners. A corresponding move has not yet been revealed, but when these Seattle Mariners rumors are confirmed later on June 4, he will immediately get thrust into a pennant race.

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