Sunday August 3, 2008
Mariners’ Manager Jim Riggleman has been secretive on his intentions of using hard throwing relief pitcher Brandon Morrow as a starting pitcher this season. Part of the reason of Riggleman’s uncertainty has been the health and performance of closer J.J. Putz. Putz struggled early in the season with injuries forcing Morrow to get an opportunity to close. Morrow more than held his own in Putz’s place, making the decision to use him as a starter this season more difficult. The performance by J.J. today hopefully will make Riggleman’s decision easier.
Putz picked up the win Sunday afternoon, allowing only one hit and recording the final out of the seventh before breezing through the 8th. “J.J.’s looking better and better every outing. It takes a few to get back into the swing of things,” Morrow said.
“I understand where all those guys are at in terms of what this team is looking for the last two months. You hear talks that they want Brandon to start,” Putz said. “Today was big in getting back to making that decision easier.”
Thunderstruck is back!
