MILWAUKEE -- Andrés Muñoz knew the milestone was coming. He just tried not to think about it until the final out was in his glove.
Muñoz closed out the Mariners’ 7-5 win over the Brewers on Wednesday night to record his 100th save in a Seattle uniform and the 101st of his career. His first came with the Padres before he joined the Mariners in 2021.
He’s the fourth Seattle pitcher to reach 100 saves with the club, sitting one behind J.J. Putz for third in franchise history. Edwin Díaz is second with 109, and Kazuhiro Sasaki sits in first with 129.
“It means a lot,” Muñoz said. “It’s a really, really special moment for me. To be able to have that amount of saves with this organization means a lot to me. They trust me, and even in the ups and downs, they keep trusting me, and that is one of the things that I really appreciate.”
That trust has made Muñoz a fixture at the back end of Seattle’s bullpen. The two-time All-Star has developed into one of the Mariners’ most dependable late-inning arms, leaning on a triple-digit fastball and wipeout slider while introducing a changeup to his arsenal.
Manager Dan Wilson believes Muñoz’s increased confidence in his fastball has been particularly important.
“He’s been as consistent as ever,” Wilson said. “I think the key for him is the use of his fastball. We’ve really seen an uptick in that this year, and his confidence in that pitch.”
For the teammates who have watched Muñoz establish himself in Seattle, the milestone carried significance beyond the number.
“That’s awesome. That’s a big deal,” Logan Gilbert said. “He’s one of the best guys out there, and has been for years. … One of the best teammates out there. Super talented and a really good guy, too.”
Muñoz admitted he was aware of what was at stake when he entered for the ninth. But his focus remained where it usually does -- on finishing the game.
Once he did, he allowed himself to appreciate it.
“It’s an awesome feeling,” Muñoz said. “I’m going to continue to work hard and learn from the mistakes that I’ve made.”