Fernando Rodney out for now as Mariners closer

Lloyd McClendon has declared that Fernando Rodney is out as closer for the Mariners. It remains to be seen how long he will be removed from that role.

McClendon said Sunday that if his team needed a closer, it would not be Rodney. Carson Smith served in that capacity Saturday night and recorded his first career save.

Rodney, who owns a 6.94 ERA with three blown saves in 17 opportunities, has been working with pitching coach Rick Waits and bullpen coach Mike Rojas. McClendon told the Tacoma News-Tribune that Rodney is trying to "break down some things, and [trying] to get it straightened out."

Smith is not the lone candidate to close in his absence. McClendon also mentioned Charlie Furbush and Mark Lowe as possibilities.