Caminero-Diaz duo could soon rival the elite
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SEATTLE -- Having one pitcher who can throw over 100 mph, that's intimidating. Having two? That's a dangerous duo.
"We found some power, didn't we?" manager Scott Servais said.
The Mariners used newly acquired setup man Arquimedes Caminero and rookie closer Edwin Díaz -- two hard-throwing right-handers -- in back-to-back innings to finish a 3-0 victory over the Tigers Monday night. Both faced the minimum, following the trend set by Hisashi Iwakuma's seven scoreless frames.
"It's fun because he can throw hard," Diaz said of Caminero. "We will be tough for everybody."
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Caminero made his Mariners debut on Monday after being acquired in a trade with the Pirates on Saturday. His fastball hit 101 mph against the Tigers, and his offspeed pitches were sill in the 90s.
The three outs Caminero recorded included an 11-pitch battle with Detroit leadoff hitter Ian Kinsler that ended in a flyout to center field.
"It was nice to catch him instead of hit against him like we did in Pittsburgh," Seattle catcher Mike Zunino said. "He's got great stuff. He had great command tonight. And just to be able to go to another arm like that, it's always nice to have."
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Command is something that Caminero's live arm has had trouble with in the past, but he has been great lately, posting a 2.28 ERA in his last two months with Pittsburgh.
"I didn't have any pressure because this is what I've been doing since a long time ago," Caminero said. "But, yes, it's exciting in one way because I get the new team. I get to do my job. And then they're giving me the opportunity, which is the most important thing."
After Caminero's eighth inning, Diaz came in and did what he's been doing since he took over as closer last week. He got his fifth save in as many opportunities and his fastball topped out at 101.5 mph.