Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz is headed to the 15-day IL with right knee inflammation, the team announced. The club recalled right-hander Troy Taylor to replace Muñoz in the bullpen.

Muñoz hadn’t pitched since Sunday. Seattle waited as long as it could to make the move, but it appears his condition didn’t improve. The club’s elimination from playoff contention on Thursday could’ve contributed to the decision.

It’s a disappointing end to an underwhelming season for Muñoz. He recorded 28 saves, but also blew 10 chances, which is tied for the league lead. The two-time All-Star posted a career-worst 4.24 ERA across 61 appearances. Muñoz allowed a solo homer to Hunter Goodman on Sunday before being removed from the game. That’s been a theme this year. After giving up 10 homers combined over the past three seasons, Muñoz was taken deep nine times this year.

The underlying numbers suggest Muñoz deserved better results. He notched a 2.32 xFIP and a 2.40 SIERA over 57 1/3 innings. The righty had a strong 37.1% strikeout rate supported by a massive 18% swinging-strike rate. Muñoz’s 118 Stuff+ is in line with his previous norms. A career-worst 23.1% home run to fly ball rate significantly contributed to the poor campaign.

Muñoz will have plenty of time to recover for 2027, assuming the knee issue isn’t serious. Seattle will likely pick up his $8MM club option for next season. It’s a more than fair price for an established closer. The Mariners hold a $10MM club option on Muñoz for 2028.

The Mariners have a handful of options to turn to in the ninth inning for the final weekend of the regular season. Trade acquisitions Seranthony Dominguez and Jose A. Ferrer both have closing experience. Gabe Speier and Eduard Bazardo have chipped in saves this year. Bazardo finished out Sunday’s game after Muñoz left.

Taylor has pitched in parts of the past two big-league seasons with the Mariners. This will be his first stint in the majors in 2026. The righty posted a 5.05 ERA in 57 innings at Triple-A this year. Command has been an issue, as Taylor has had a walk rate above 13% in back-to-back seasons with Tacoma.

Photo courtesy of Christopher Hanewinckel, Imagn Images