Call to the pen
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Seattle Mariners lose key piece of bullpen

By David Hill

Jun 27, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Hector Santiago (57) is ejected from a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox after illegal substance was found in his glove during the fifth inning of the first game of a doubleheader at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 27, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Hector Santiago (57) is ejected from a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox after illegal substance was found in his glove during the fifth inning of the first game of a doubleheader at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Hector Santiago had unexpectedly become a key part of the Seattle Mariners‘ bullpen. He had flamed out as a starter and struggled mightily in 2019 before sitting out in 2020. Signed to a minor league deal, Santiago suddenly became a stabilizing force in the bullpen, a key part of their success thus far in 2021.

Now, with less than 24 hours before the trade deadline has passed, the Mariners will need to replace him. Santiago has been handed an 80 game suspension after failing a PED test.

Seattle Mariners need to replace Hector Santiago

This is not the first time that Santiago has run afoul of Major League Baseball this year. He had been popped for doctoring the baseball, although he claimed the mixture on his glove was just sweat and rosin. Santiago looked to make his point in his first game back, as he took the rosin bag from the mound and fired it into the dugout. Presumably, Santiago would do the same thing with a syringe when he returns from this suspension in 2022.

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Santiago’s loss this close to the deadline is a tough blow. He had posted a 3.42 ERA and a 1.443 WHiP in his 26.1 innings, striking out 30 batters with 11 walks. While those numbers are respectable, he has been at his best at getting grounds, with a career high 44.7% ground ball rate this year.

For the Mariners, they can feel fortunate that the suspension occurred before the deadline. General manager Jerry Dipoto has approximately 19 hours to add to his bullpen, which given his trade record, is plenty of time. Chances are, he has a list of potential deals already to go to replace Santiago.

This also calls Santiago’s success into question. He appeared to be on the way to resurrecting his career as a respectable middle reliever, someone capable of getting those key grounders when needed. Now, his future is in question as one has to wonder how much of his production was chemically enhanced.

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Seattle Mariners reliever Hector Santiago has been suspended for 80 games for PED use. The Mariners now have an unexpected hole to fill.

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