Farquhar rolling as Mariners' new closer

SEATTLE -- New Mariners closer Danny Farquhar has been outstanding since replacing Tom Wilhelmsen at the start of August, to the point where his 13 saves since Aug. 3 are the most of any Major League reliever in that span.

Farquhar, 25, is 13-for-14 in save opportunities after finishing out Friday's 6-4 win over the Rays.

Though his ERA for the season is 4.28 in 38 games, the rookie right-hander has a 1.76 ERA in 15 1/3 innings since taking over as closer and has exhibited steely nerves with games on the line.

"I like the way he mixes his pitches," said manager Eric Wedge. "I like the way he uses his fastball, his cutter and breaking ball. He's aggressive, he pitches with a lot of confidence. And if he does get himself in a situation, he doesn't overreact. Those are a lot of good things."

The 5-foot-9 Farquhar, who was acquired from the Yankees in the Ichiro Suzuki trade last year, is fourth in the Majors with his average of 13.22 strikeouts per nine innings with 71 in 48 1/3 innings since being called up from Triple-A Tacoma on May 17.