Friday watchpoints: Diaz reclaims closer’s role, and the effect ripples down

While the Mariners’ rotation remains in flux as they open a three-game weekend series Friday against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, their bullpen shows signs of stabilizing.

Edwin Diaz reclaimed the closer’s job Thursday by pitching the ninth inning in a 4-2 victory at Washington for his first save since May 9. He pitched three scoreless innings in two non-save situations after making some changes in his delivery.

"We wanted to work the game to Eddie if we had the lead," manager Scott Servais said. "We like him in that spot. He’s got great stuff. It’s just about his consistency in locating it. Getting the ball in the strike zone.

"He doesn’t always have to live on the edges. Just live in the…