Injury Updates: Ryne Stanek and Bryan Woo
The Seattle Mariners have faced several injury challenges recently. On July 14, Ryne Stanek exited the game against the Los Angeles Angels due to back spasms. Stanek entered the bottom of the eighth inning to protect a 2-0 lead but issued a four-pitch walk to the first batter and appeared to be in pain. After consulting with the trainer and manager Scott Servais, he left the game and was replaced by Austin Voth. Servais later confirmed that Stanek was dealing with back spasms, but no further details on tests or recovery timeline were provided.
On July 12, the Mariners activated Bryan Woo from the 15-day injured list. Woo had been sidelined due to a low-level right hamstring strain suffered during his June 24 start against the Tampa Bay Rays. He also missed the season’s first six weeks due to right medial elbow inflammation. Woo started Friday night’s game in Anaheim before the All-Star break. In a corresponding move, Eduard Bazardo was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma after making 13 appearances with Seattle, posting a 6.62 ERA over 17⅔ innings.
Dominic Canzone and Jonatan Clase Roster Moves
On July 10, outfielder Dominic Canzone was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right adductor strain. Canzone exited Tuesday’s game early after undergoing an MRI. The injury occurred while making a diving catch in Sunday’s loss in Seattle. This is Canzone’s second IL stint this season, having previously missed time due to a left AC joint sprain in April. For the season, Canzone has slashed .211/.289/.394 with seven home runs and fourteen RBIs. During his absence, the Mariners will likely rely on utility man Dylan Moore, especially in left field.
In a corresponding move, Jonatan Clase was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma for his third stint this season. Clase is ranked as the Mariners’ No. 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline. At Tacoma, he slashed .274/.373/.483 with ten home runs. In the Majors, he has slashed .176/.200/.206 over thirty-five plate appearances.
Julio Rodriguez Exits Game Due to Injury
On July 15, center fielder Julio Rodriguez exited the game against the Toronto Blue Jays due to lower-quadriceps tightness. Mariners manager Scott Servais reported that Rodriguez noticed discomfort in his quad during sprints on Saturday morning but attempted to play through it. After the first half of the first inning, Rodriguez indicated that his quad “didn’t feel right.” Rodriguez underwent MRIs on Saturday night to determine the severity of the injury following Seattle’s 5-4 loss to Toronto. Results are still pending.
Rodriguez was initially listed to start in the four-hole in the lineup and played center field in the top half of the first inning. Ty France pinch-hit for Rodriguez and took over at first base, while Luke Raley moved from first base to center field. Rodriguez has been a key player for the Mariners this season, with a batting average of .247, eight home runs, thirty RBIs, and eighteen stolen bases.
Seattle Mariners’ Prospect Rankings Update
MLB Pipeline recently updated its list of baseball’s top 100 prospects, and the Mariners have made significant strides. Four Mariners are featured in the new top 100, leading the American League West. The organization had one of the biggest risers and one of eight new prospects to make the cut.
Cole Young, a shortstop/second baseman, is ranked No. 26 overall. Young was a first-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft and has shown strong performances in rookie ball and Single-A in 2022, and High-A Everett in 2023. However, he has faced challenges at Double-A Arkansas with a .248 batting average over 33 games.
Harry Ford, a catcher, is ranked No. 27 overall and is the fourth-highest rated catching prospect in baseball. Ford was a first-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft and led all minor leaguers with walks while with High-A Everett in 2023. He has had a solid start at Double-A Arkansas with an .873 OPS over 35 games.
Colt Emerson, a shortstop/second baseman, leapt from No. 78 to No. 51 after a strong start to his career. Emerson was a first-round pick last year and has impressive stats in Rookie ball and Modesto despite an oblique injury early this season.
Lazaro Montes, an outfielder, debuted at No. 81 on the top prospect list. Montes was signed as an international free agent out of Cuba for $2.5 million in 2022 and has shown impressive power hitting stats between Rookie ball and Single-A.
Game Results and Upcoming Schedule
The Mariners recently lost 5-3 to the Minnesota Twins on Sunday afternoon at T-Mobile Park. This loss marked the first time since mid-April that the Mariners have lost back-to-back games at home. Injuries were sustained by two key players: catcher/DH Mitch Garver and OF/1B Luke Raley. Garver was hit by a pitch in the second inning, causing him to leave the game. As a result, Cal Raleigh had to move from DH to catcher, forcing the Mariners to use the pitcher’s spot in the lineup. Raley fouled a ball off his foot in the ninth inning.
Post-game updates provided by manager Scott Servais indicated that X-rays on Garver’s wrist were negative, and further assessment will be made after an off day. No specific update was provided on Raley, but he was seen walking gingerly in the clubhouse after being hit on top of his left foot.
The Mariners’ current record stands at 47-39 following this loss. They will have an off day on Monday before hosting the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night.
Trade Rumors and Speculations
The Mariners are reportedly interested in acquiring Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins. Chisholm Jr. has recently moved back to second base, which may increase his appeal on the trade market. The Mariners are also considering other potential targets like Luis Robert Jr., Pete Alonso, and Christian Walker.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Mariners’ strategy will be closely watched. With several key players injured and the team looking to strengthen its roster, potential trades could significantly impact their performance in the second half of the season.
Conclusion
The Seattle Mariners are navigating a challenging period with multiple injuries and roster changes. Key players like Julio Rodriguez and Dominic Canzone are dealing with injuries, while prospects like Cole Young and Harry Ford are making strides in the minor leagues. As the trade deadline approaches, the Mariners’ moves will be crucial in determining their success for the remainder of the season. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team adapts and overcomes these challenges.
