Rodney discarded after Mariners’ bullpen is trashed again

SEATTLE – The escalating dumpster fire the Mariners call a bullpen threw away another possible victory Saturday night in an appalling 6-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox in 10 innings at Safeco Field.

First, Carson Smith couldn’t hold a two-run lead in the ninth inning. That snatched a victory away from Vidal Nuno, who deserved far better.

Then Danny Farquhar faced four batters in the 10th and failed to retire any of them. He issued four-pitch walks to three of them, although one was an intentional walk, but the third one forced in the go-ahead run.

The meltdown continued after Edgar Olmos replaced Farquhar (0-4). The White Sox scored on a passed ball and reloaded the bases on an error by second baseman Robinson Cano, which led to another run.

Mercy, what a mess.

Then there was what came afterward.

The Mariners designated former closer Fernando Rodney for assignment and optioned Farquhar to Triple-A Tacoma.

Coming up are lefty Roenis Elias, who will pitch initially out of the bullpen, and right-hander Logan Kensing. Both had been pitching at Tacoma.

“The fact is we’re just not getting it done,” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “I think that’s our 18th blown save and our 22nd loss in the opponent’s last at-bat. That takes a toll on a team.”

Much of the bullpen’s problems funneled to Rodney, who compiled a 5.68 ERA in 54 games after leading the majors a year ago in saves.

“Not surprised at all,” he said. “You know when you’re not doing your job, something is coming.”

Smith inherited a 3-1 lead to start the ninth but started the inning by putting the first two batters on base: Avisail Garcia singled up the middle, and pinch-hitter J.B. Shuck walked.

“I feel like every walk I’ve given up has led to a run,” Smith said. “At that point in the inning, that’s when it started going downhill.”

Down a hill and off a cliff.

When Alexei Ramirez punched an RBI single into center, the White Sox had the tying and go-ahead runs on base with no outs. Carlos Sanchez’s sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third.

Pinch-hitter Adam LaRoche grounder to first resulted in the second out but scored the tying run and snatched a victory away from Nuno, who has now gone 37 appearances and 19 starts since his last victory.

Farquhar’s demotion was a bit of surprise since he had pitched well in three previous outings since his latest return from Tacoma.

“I thought I had things figured out,” he said. “One bad outing, I guess that’s what happens.”