The Seattle Mariners have placed relief pitcher Matt Brash on the 15-day injured list due to lat inflammation. This move, retroactive to April 30, comes right before their series opener against the Royals. In his place, the team has recalled left-handed pitcher Josh Simpson from Triple-A Tacoma.
Brash experienced side tightness just two pitches into his last outing against Minnesota, prompting the Mariners to pull him from the game as a precaution. General Manager Justin Hollander indicated that Brash should rest for three to five days before starting to throw again. Fortunately, early assessments show no structural damage, implying that his absence might not be long-term.
Brash has had a solid start to the season, surrendering only one unearned run across 11.1 innings. While his strikeout and ground-ball rates aren’t particularly high, he ranks second on the team with four holds and has been called upon in critical situations, right behind closer Andrés Muñoz.
Seattle’s bullpen has been impressive overall, boasting a 3.31 earned run average, which is among the best in the league. Their strikeout rate and whiff percentage indicate a solid season thus far, even with Muñoz facing some struggles. Other pitchers like Gabe Speier, Eduard Bazardo, and new acquisition José A. Ferrer have also been effective.
If Simpson takes the mound, it will mark his Major League debut. The 28-year-old was acquired from the Marlins and has shown promise in Tacoma, striking out 12 batters in just over nine innings with a single earned run. However, he has struggled with walks, totaling six.
In other Mariners news, Victor Robles will start a rehab assignment in Tacoma this Sunday. He has been sidelined since April 7 due to a pectoral strain. Robles had a rocky beginning to the season after suffering a dislocated left shoulder last year.
In his absence, Luke Raley and Rob Refsnyder have shared duty in right field. Raley had a strong start, homering in three consecutive games but has struggled recently, going 1-for-27 in his last 12 games. Meanwhile, Refsnyder has managed a disappointing .135 batting average over 17 games.
As the Mariners continue their season, fans are hoping for healthy returns and strong performances from their players to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
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