Almost exactly one year ago, Mariners closer reliefer Brandon League went through the horriblest of stretches: beginning on the 8th of May, League took losses in four straight appearances, his ERA jumping from 2.08 to 7.31.

After just a few games in a lesser role -- and actually just one appearance -- League got right back in the closing saddle and pitched brilliantly the rest of the way, earning an All-Star berth along the way.

The M's are hoping he can do that again. The Seattle Times:

We're going to pull him back, give him some opportunities outside of that closing role and work to get him on track," manager Eric Wedge said before Saturday's M's-Angels game. "Very similar to what we did last year."

League (0-4, 4.43 ERA) has blown four saves this year, including three of his last five opportunities. His latest came Friday night in a 6-4 loss to the Angels.

League's biggest issue has been command, as he's walked nearly as many hitters (12) as he's struck out (13). He's still throwing hard, and you really can't glean a great deal from 20-odd innings. He probably won't pitch in the All-Star Game this summer, but h probably will turn things around.