Injury Woes Continue for the Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are grappling with a series of injuries that have impacted their performance. On July 24, Gregory Santos left the game in the eighth inning after giving up a game-tying single to Willie Calhoun. Santos attempted a pickoff move, grimaced, and balked, leading to his removal from the game. Manager Scott Servais and a trainer visited Santos, who was doubled over in pain. The injury to his right knee was sustained “a couple pitches earlier.” This was Santos’ fourth appearance of the season for the Mariners, having started the season on the injured list (IL) with a lat strain and debuting on July 9.
Felnin Celesten Re-Injures Wrist
On the same day, shortstop Felnin Celesten re-injured his wrist while playing in the Arizona Complex League. Celesten had been out since June 20 due to wrist soreness. After receiving a shot for the soreness in June, he returned to action but re-injured his wrist diving into a base. Celesten has been slashing .352/.431/.568 with 27 RBIs in his first professional season.
Multiple Transactions on July 23
The Mariners made several roster moves on July 23. Shortstop J.P. Crawford was placed on the IL with a right pinky fracture. Crawford was hit by a pitch on the back of his hand during a game against the Los Angeles Angels on July 22. X-rays revealed a hairline fracture, and weekly X-rays will track his recovery. This is Crawford’s second IL stint this season, having previously missed time with an oblique strain.
Center fielder Julio Rodríguez was also placed on the IL with a high right ankle sprain. Rodríguez hurt his ankle jumping into a wall during a game against the Houston Astros on July 21. Although X-rays were negative, further testing diagnosed a high ankle sprain.
First baseman Ty France was designated for assignment and cleared waivers after being placed on them Sunday afternoon. The Mariners recalled outfielders Jonatan Clase and Cade Marlowe, shortstop Leonardo Rivas, and first baseman Tyler Locklear from Triple-A Tacoma. Clase started in left field on Monday but was optioned post-game due to Rodríguez’s IL trip and was recalled on Tuesday.
Jason Vosler Joins the Team
Infielder Jason Vosler was selected from Triple-A Tacoma, while infielder Ryan Bliss was optioned. Vosler joined the Mariners organization on a Minor League deal during Spring Training. He has been batting .289 with an .883 OPS, leading the Pacific Coast League with 79 RBIs in Triple-A Tacoma this year.
Updates on Injured Players
The Mariners have several players on the 10-day and 15-day injured lists. Center fielder Julio Rodríguez is expected to return at an undetermined date after suffering a high right ankle sprain. Shortstop J.P. Crawford is expected to return in August or September after sustaining a right pinky fracture. Outfielder Dominic Canzone is targeting a mid-August return from a right adductor strain sustained on July 7.
On the 60-day injured list, relief pitcher Matt Brash is expected to return in June 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery on May 8. Outfielder/utility player Sam Haggerty is expected to return in May 2025 after tearing his right Achilles on May 18. Right-handed pitcher Jackson Kowar is also expected to return in 2025 after undergoing right UCL surgery.
Trade Rumors and Market Challenges
The Mariners are actively pursuing an All-Star player according to trade rumors. They recently acquired slugging outfielder Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for two minor-league prospects and a player to be named later. Despite a poor month with a 9-19 record from June 19 to July 23, the Mariners aim to upgrade their roster. Their pitching has been strong, ranking fifth in ERA, but their offense has struggled, ranking 29th in runs.
The market for bats is thin, especially at first base after designating Ty France for assignment. Potential targets like Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are likely unavailable. Available hitters include Randy Arozarena, Yandy Díaz, Brandon Lowe, and Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays, and Michael Conforto, Wilmer Flores, and Mike Yastrzemski from the San Francisco Giants.
Current Challenges and Future Outlook
The Mariners are currently tied with the Houston Astros for first place in the AL West but have lost four out of five games since returning from the All-Star break. The team is struggling with focus and performance, having lost eight of their past nine games. The Mariners need to find a temporary replacement for Crawford during his recovery period. Dylan Moore could be an interim solution, but the team may need to acquire another player before the trade deadline.
The Mariners hope to improve their rosters before the MLB trade deadline, with a particular interest in adding a power bat at a corner infielder spot. The team is also dealing with the loss of key players like Julio Rodríguez and J.P. Crawford, which has impacted their performance on the field.
In conclusion, the Seattle Mariners are facing significant challenges with injuries and roster moves. The team is actively pursuing trade options to bolster their lineup and improve their chances of making the playoffs. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Mariners navigate these challenges and what moves they make before the trade deadline.
