SEATTLE (AP) — Brandon League has lost his job as the Seattle Mariners closer after blowing three of his last five save opportunities.
Manager Eric Wedge said Saturday that he will give League opportunities outside of the closer job. League allowed three runs in the ninth Friday as the rival Los Angeles Angels rallied for a 6-4 victory.
League, who is 0-4 with a 4.43 ERA in 21 appearances, has nine saves and four blown saves. Last season he finished third in the league with 37 saves, had a 2.79 ERA and was selected to the AL All-Star team. He blew just five save opportunities all season.
Similarly, League was demoted from the role in mid-May when he went 0-4 with three blown saves in four straight appearances. He returned about a week later.
Wedge said the club is not going designate a closer among the rest of the bullpen relievers.
