Relievers rack up workload in record-tying year

SEATTLE -- Charlie Furbush had never pitched more than 55 games in a season before this year, but the Mariners lefty reliever says he's feeling good and looking to finish up strong even after 70 appearances this season.

The Mariners have five relievers with 50-plus appearances this season, tying for the most in club history with the 2005 and '07 squad. Entering Saturday's game, Furbush (70), Yoervis Medina (62), Oliver Perez (61), Tom Wilhelmsen (58) and Carter Capps (52) have all been used extensively, while Danny Farquhar has 45 appearances since joining the club on May 17.

Furbush, a converted starter who pitched 48 games for the Mariners and seven in the Minors on an injury rehab last year, said it's a good thing to be establishing that kind of work load.

"We're still not done yet," Furbush said prior to Saturday's game with the A's. "I'm just taking it a day at a time, as always. The bullpen guys have made it a point to stick together and stay strong and finish strong, because the ultimate goal is to pitch beyond this point. You want to pitch into October.

"You can't give in, you can't give up," said Furbush, who has posted a 3.78 ERA in 64 1/3 innings. "There's still work to be done. Same thing. Just keeping it simple and one pitch at a time. Even though there's only two games left, we can't cash them in."