SEATTLE -- As the Mariners' season has dwindled to its final days, Edwin Diaz's chance to threaten the Major League record for saves has also dissipated.
After the Mariners were eliminated from realistic playoff contention with a rough August, much of the final month's drama centered on whether their flame-throwing 24-year-old could reach the MLB record of 62 saves by Francisco Rodriguez of the Angels in 2008.
But as is the life of a closer, Diaz's opportunities depend on his team playing -- and leading -- close games.