Seattle Mariners left-hander Gabe Speier (shoulder) threw 14 pitches in a minor-league rehab appearance with Triple-A Tacoma on Friday, July 12, allowing two hits and a walk in an inning of work. "It went well. The [velocity] was a tick down than what we are used to seeing," manager Scott Servais said. "Which is very normal, since it's been almost six weeks since he's been out there." He'll have another throwing session in Arizona soon, and the team will gauge the likelihood of Speier returning to the active roster following this week's All-Star break. The goal is to have him for the first series of the second half against the division-rival Houston Astros, which begins on Friday. The 29-year-old southpaw had a 6.06 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with 22 K's and 10 walks in 16 1/3 innings out of the 'pen for the M's this year before suffering a left rotator-cuff strain.

The Seattle Mariners turned to relief pitcher Gabe Speier to close out Sunday's 7-6 win over the Houston Astros, opting to use presumed closer Andres Munoz in the eighth inning instead of the ninth. Munoz was called in to face the 9-1-2 batters in the Astros lineup, which means he is still likely the Mariners highest leverage reliever. However, this is just another development that suggests the M's are leaning towards a committee approach with Munoz at the top of the hierarchy instead of outright giving him the closer's job. Speier and Matt Brash may be afforded some opportunities depending on the matchups, making things difficult for fantasy managers. Still, Munoz is worth rostering in all formats where saves matter.