SEATTLE — It had been a week (and counting) of waiting for Seattle Mariners reliever Vidal Nuno since his last game action.
Once Nathan Karns delivered the first pitch Saturday against Oakland, Nuno became the only player on the Mariners’ roster who had yet to log time in the regular season. His last game action was April 1 in spring training.
“He’s been up plenty (in the bullpen),” manager Scott Servais said. “It just hasn’t quite worked out yet (for Nuno to get in a game). There are pockets in every lineup where he can get in there and make a difference for us.
“For whatever reason, our starters have gotten through the rough spots when we’ve had him up. … Nuno will pitch plenty. No doubt.”
Nuno made his first appearance of the season in the eighth inning of Saturday’s game against the A’s, allowing one run on two hits.
While many pitchers, maybe most, begin to fret at extended periods of inactivity, Nuno is an exception. He contends his regular routine, and those get-ready sessions in the bullpen, are sufficient to keep him sharp.
“I don’t miss my spots,” he said. “I know my arm slot. I know what I can do, and what I can’t do. Just be prepared every day. It’s just day five. Just take it day by day and make the best out of it.”
Nuno, 28, became the bullpen’s lefty specialist when shoulder problems continued to plague Charlie Furbush, who is still awaiting medical clearance to begin throwing after undergoing a series of Regenokine Therapy injections.
Even in a best-case scenario, Furbush isn’t expected back until late May.
So Nuno sits and waits for what Servais judges as the right opportunity.
“A lefty specialist,” Nuno said, “my role is to get that lefty out. The games have been tight. Every one of the starters have been going five or six (innings). That means short work for the bullpen.”
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