Andrés Muñoz DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Seattle Mariners closer Andres Munoz (elbow) said he has been dealing with some elbow soreness recently and that he was only going to be used with a lead for the first two games of the series in Oakland against the division-rival A's. Munoz has downplayed the severity of his injury, though, and said he should be fine. He hasn't pitched since Aug. 31, when he allowed a solo home run in two-thirds of an inning for a loss. But since blowing a save on Aug. 20 with a three-run outing, Munoz has settled down by allowing just the solo home run while striking out eight and walking two in 3 2/3 frames in his last four outings. The 25-year-old's status is worth watching going forward, and if his elbow soreness worsens, Austin Voth or Collin Snider could be in line for some save opportunities down the stretch in the final month of the regular season. Munoz has been excellent with a 1.92 ERA and a career-high 19 saves this year.

Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Andres Munoz was called upon to tally a four-out save on Saturday evening. Munoz hit the first batter he faced and then threw a wild pitch, which caused a runner to score (unearned), but he proceeded to get out of the eighth by striking out the next batter to limit the damage. In the ninth inning, the 25-year-old struck out the first batter, Gavin Sheets, and then generated two groundouts to finish the job. This was his 17th save on the season and brought him to a stellar 1.31 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. Munoz should be considered a top relief pitcher in all formats and could tally the occasional hold, as he is the most trusted option out of the Seattle bullpen.

Seattle Mariners right-hander Andres Munoz got the final five outs to preserve an 8-5 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night. Munoz allowed one hit and struck out one while throwing 22 pitches to pick up his 13th save of the season. The 25-year-old has been an anchor at the back of the Seattle bullpen this season, posting a 1.47 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings of work while blowing just one save. Munoz has a firm grip on the ninth-inning role for the Mariners and should continue to be an excellent source for saves and strikeouts in fantasy moving forward.

Seattle Mariners closer Andres Munoz (back) exited Tuesday's 4-3 win against the Athletics early after colliding with Max Schuemann on a play at the plate. Munoz entered the game to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning up by two. He got the first out on a strikeout, allowed a single, got the second out on a fly-out, allowed another single, and collided with Schuemann on a play at the plate due to a wild pitch. Munoz attempted to throw several warm-up pitches but left the game. The 25-year-old has been dealing with a lower-back strain the past couple of weeks, which may have flared up after the collision. He will get an MRI to determine the severity. Fantasy managers should keep an eye out for more news, but this would be a big loss if Munoz were to miss time, as he has converted 12 of 13 save opportunities with a 1.73 ERA and a 12.46 K/9. Tayler Saucedo picked up a save (his second of the year) in one-third of an inning, and he and Ryne Stanek could be candidates for saves moving forward if Munoz's injury is serious enough to put him on the injured list.

Seattle Mariners closer Andres Munoz continued his strong season in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Yankees, picking up his 10th save of the season. Munoz came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning up by three. He got the first two outs on ground-outs, allowed a single and a walk, and ended the game with a strikeout. The 25-year-old has been handed the closing reins full-time in 2024 and has not disappointed, converting all but one save opportunity with a 1.69 ERA and a 12.23 K/9 rate. The Mariners have played well this season, generating plenty of opportunities for Munoz to provide fantasy value. He should continue to be a higher-end fantasy option.