Criswell's Breakout: Mariners' Bullpen Lifeline

0:00It's April 23rd. Welcome in. This is MLB News Today, where the game meets AI. I'm Cory with the story. Five weeks back, Cooper Crizzwell was fighting for a starting spot in the Mariners rotation during spring training. Fast forward, and the 28-year-old Ridey just notched his first career hold, retiring the side-in-order on just nine pitches in the eighth, ending against the A's. Crizzwell joined Seattle in January after the Mets designated him for Simon. He's bounced between starting and relieving over six pro seasons with the Dodgers, Reyes, Red Sox, and now Mariners posting a 440A career ERA. He made the opening day roster as Bullpen Depth, and has been sharp, with a 1-8Z ERA over 10 innings in his first seven outings. The Mariners pen has been roughed up lately, giving up 17 runs in 22 innings last week alone, with a 2-14 WHIP. Injury's sideline Carlos Vargas before he even pitched, Casey Lagumina got designated for a Simon after blowing a tie game and high levered arms.

1:04Like Matt Brash are on pitch limits early in the season, manager Dan Wilson trusted Crizzwell in a tied three-all game, and he delivered, getting Jeff McNeill, Max Muncie, and Lawrence Butler out quick with. Change ups, sweepers, and cutters, all in the strike zone. Wilson praised his versatility, saying he's reliable whether stretching innings or bridging to closer, Andreas Munoz. Crizzwell kept it simple, treating the high-stakes spot like any other, attacking hitters without added pressure. In a shaky bullpen, guys like him stepping up, could steady the ship as Seattle pushes forward.