The Mariners thought their bullpen matched up with the best in baseball. It was built with depth and quality to close out games: David Phelps, Juan Nicasio and Nick Vincent would turn the game over to Edwin Diaz in the ninth.
That bullpen was pretty locked up. But then Phelps went down with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm late in the spring.
Enter left-hander Wade LeBlanc.
Yes, that LeBlanc, who was with the Mariners two seasons ago. The one who was on a minor-league contract with the Yankees just hoping to earn a roster spot.