Mariners Placed Andrés Muñoz on Injured List
The Seattle Mariners sidelined their closer with right knee inflammation for the remainder of the season.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Baseball
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The Seattle Mariners placed pitcher Andrés Muñoz on the 15-day injured list due to right knee inflammation. The team filled his roster spot by recalling right-hander Troy Taylor from Triple-A Tacoma.
Why it matters
Muñoz has been a central component of the Seattle bullpen, and his absence leaves a significant void for the final three games of the season. The injury prevents him from returning to action following his exit from a game at Coors Field.
Muñoz finished his 2026 campaign with a 4.24 ERA, 28 saves, and a 37.1% strikeout rate across 61 total outings. He also recorded a career-high nine home runs allowed and 10 blown saves throughout the year.
The players
Andrés Muñoz
He is a relief pitcher for the Seattle Mariners known for his high-velocity fastball and role as the team closer.
Troy Taylor
He is a right-handed pitcher recently recalled from the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
Seattle Mariners
They are a professional Major League Baseball team based in Seattle, Washington.
The details
Imaging performed on Muñoz revealed no structural damage to his right knee, but the team opted to end his season early as a precaution. His injury occurred on September 20 at Coors Field, and he will miss the team's final three games.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: Muñoz experienced discomfort in his knee during a game at Coors Field.
September 24, 2026: Seattle was eliminated from the AL West race.
September 25, 2026: The club officially placed Muñoz on the injured list.
Season Trajectory
This move removes a primary late-inning arm during the final stretch of the season as the team navigates pitching depth issues. The departure of Muñoz follows a difficult period where the bullpen surrendered 39 home runs since the All-Star break.
With Muñoz sidelined, the Mariners will rely on alternative relief options for the final three games of the season. His season-ending 4.24 ERA and 1.22 WHIP suggest that managing high-leverage situations will be more complex for the coaching staff.
The takeaway
Reliability in the bullpen remains a critical factor for teams chasing postseason contention. Managing late-season fatigue and minor injuries effectively is often the difference between a successful finish and a roster shortfall.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit the Seattle Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLB.
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