Gregory Santos Activated from Injured List
The Seattle Mariners have activated right-handed pitcher Gregory Santos from the 15-day injured list. Santos had been sidelined since July 31 due to right biceps inflammation. During his rehab at Triple-A Tacoma, he made six appearances, allowing one earned run in 5⅓ innings with seven walks and six strikeouts. This activation comes after Santos missed over three months earlier in the season with a right latissimus dorsi strain. The biceps issue is unrelated to his previous shoulder injury.
Jhonathan Díaz Optioned
Left-handed pitcher Jhonathan Díaz has been optioned to the Mariners’ Spring Training complex as Tacoma’s season has ended. Díaz’s move comes as the team adjusts its roster for the final stretch of the season.
Emerson Hancock Optioned to Triple-A Tacoma
Right-handed pitcher Emerson Hancock has been optioned to Triple-A Tacoma after a five-inning, two-run start on Saturday. Hancock was recalled on September 13 and made two starts for Seattle. His overall record this season stands at 4-4 with a 4.72 ERA in Major League starts.
Gabe Speier Recalled
The Mariners have recalled left-handed pitcher Gabe Speier from Triple-A Tacoma. Speier made six appearances for Tacoma with a 1.50 ERA since being optioned on August 31. His return to the Major League roster aims to bolster the Mariners’ bullpen.
Injury Updates: Luis Castillo and Others
Right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo is expected to return possibly the week of September 23. Castillo has been on the injured list since September 9 due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Manager Dan Wilson mentioned that Castillo is “progressing as he should be,” but did not provide a specific return date. Castillo has been diligent in his recovery efforts and was seen throwing in the outfield on Friday night before the Mariners’ game against the Texas Rangers.
Right-handed pitcher Yimi García is dealing with right elbow inflammation and has been recently shut down from throwing. His status for a return this season remains uncertain. Additionally, right-handed pitcher Matt Brash underwent Tommy John surgery on May 8 and is expected to return in June 2025. Outfielder/utility player Sam Haggerty is also out for the season with a torn right Achilles and is expected to return in May 2025 after undergoing surgery in May.
Right-handed pitcher Jackson Kowar is out for the season due to right UCL surgery and is expected to return in early to mid-2025. Minor league pitcher Teddy McGraw, who is No. 14 on the Mariners’ Top Prospects list, is experiencing arm flexor tightness, and his options are still being evaluated. Shortstop Felnin Celesten, No. 5 on the Mariners’ Top Prospects list, underwent season-ending left hamate surgery and could begin baseball activities in early September after multiple setbacks with a left wrist injury.
Seattle Mariners’ Recent Performance
The Seattle Mariners secured an 8-1 victory over the Houston Astros on September 25, 2024. This win improved their record to 82-77 and guaranteed their fourth consecutive winning season. Despite the win, the Mariners’ playoff hopes are dim with only four days and three games left in the season. They can finish with a maximum of 85 wins, which may not be sufficient for a wild card spot.
Playoff Hopes and Competition
The Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals currently hold the two American League wild card spots with identical records of 84-74. Both teams won their games on Wednesday night, putting them in a strong position to secure the wild card spots. If both the Tigers and Royals win on Thursday, the Mariners will have no chance of making the playoffs regardless of their performance against Oakland. Even if either team loses on Thursday, a single loss by the Mariners in their series against Oakland would eliminate them from contention.
Upcoming Games and Broadcast Information
The Mariners have three home games against the Oakland Athletics (68-89), where they have a current season record of 6-4 against them. The games are scheduled as follows:
– Friday vs. Athletics – Game at 7:10 p.m. (pregame at 6 p.m.)
– Saturday vs. Athletics – Game at 6:40 p.m. (pregame at 5:30 p.m.)
– Sunday vs. Athletics – Game at 12:10 p.m. (pregame at 11 a.m., Trident Talk at 10 a.m.)
Julio Rodríguez’s Milestone
Outfielder Julio Rodríguez reached the milestone of hitting his third consecutive season with at least twenty home runs and twenty stolen bases during their recent win over the Astros. This achievement highlights Rodríguez’s consistent performance and contribution to the team.
Fangraphs’ Playoff Odds
According to Fangraphs, the Mariners’ playoff odds are down to just 1.7%. The Minnesota Twins remain in contention for wild card spots as well, staying half a game ahead of the Mariners after beating Miami.
Broadcast Booth Uncertainty
The Mariners may lose broadcaster Dave Sims this offseason. Sims has interviewed for the New York Yankees radio vacancy and is interested in returning to the East Coast. Sims has been with the Mariners since 2007. Television broadcaster Mike Blowers is also uncertain to return, at least for the rest of this season. Blowers, aged 59, has been absent from ROOT Sports broadcasts for over a week. Angie Mentink and Ryan Rowland-Smith have filled in as analysts during his absence. It’s unclear if Blowers will return this season; he missed much of the 2023 season due to health issues. Like Sims, Blowers has been with the Mariners since 2007.
Conclusion
The Seattle Mariners are facing a critical juncture in their season with injuries, roster changes, and playoff hopes hanging in the balance. As they prepare for their final games against the Oakland Athletics, fans will be watching closely to see if they can make a last-minute push for the playoffs.
