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sports1d ago
Mariners 2-time All-Star needs to 'find himself' after struggling
- Munoz is 2-2 with a 9.45 ERA this season over seven games, signaling a rough start for the Mariners closer.
- Munoz told Seattle Times writer he needs to find himself, highlighting a personal struggle with slider execution.
- The pitcher has increased slider usage to about 60% this season, up from 50% in 2025, in an attempt to regain effectiveness.
- Opponents have hit Munoz’s four-seam fastball and sinker hard, underscoring the challenge he faces this year.
- Munoz raised slider usage by 10 percentage points this season to counter hitters, a strategy linked to his 2024–25 adjustments.
- A sustained struggle with execution has limited Munoz’s effectiveness and ability to pitch ahead in counts.
- The Mariners are monitoring Munoz’s slider feel and overall command as they assess his role this season.
- The article attributes Munoz’s issues to reduced first-pitch strikes, impacting his ability to get ahead.
- Analysts note a decline in fastball usage, suggesting a need for adjusted pitch mix going forward.
- Overall, Munoz faces a pivotal season where regaining form will depend on slider feel and consistent command.
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