Mariners right-hander Gregory Santos sustained a “delicate” lat pressure whereas warming up yesterday and won’t be prepared for Opening Day, common supervisor Justin Hollander introduced to reporters Tuesday (X link by way of Daniel Kramer of MLB.com). A exact timetable isn’t obtainable, however Santos is predicted to be down for a matter of weeks, somewhat than months.
The well being of Santos and fellow setup man Matt Brash (or somewhat, the shortage thereof) has been a significant storyline for the Mariners throughout spring coaching. Brash at one level was feared to have sustained a season-ending harm, however he’s since been recognized with solely elbow irritation and cleared to renew throwing. Santos felt some discomfort close to his teres main muscle early in camp and was briefly shut down. He resumed throwing a pair weeks again however felt a “pinch” throughout yesterday’s lengthy toss session and reported it to the staff, Hollander defined. That prompted an MRI, which revealed the present pressure.
Uncertainty within the Seattle bullpen solely grew when certainly one of their depth choices, righty Jackson Kowar, skilled elbow ache and was recognized with a UCL tear. He’ll undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the 2024 season in consequence.
The Mariners, immediately dealing with the prospect of three accidents within the bullpen, pivoted and signed free agent right-hander Ryne Stanek to a one-year deal late final week. He’ll give them one other skilled arm so as to add to the late-inning combine, although Stanek is coming off one thing of a down season and received’t essentially be capable of replicate the extent of efficiency anticipated from Brash and Santos.
The Mariners acquired Santos from the White Sox in a late offseason commerce sending a Aggressive Steadiness (Spherical B) draft decide and prospects Zach DeLoach and Prelander Berroa to the White Sox. It was a reasonably steep worth to pay, however Santos broke out with 66 1/3 innings of three.39 ERA ball for the South Siders in 2023. He fanned a roughly common 22.8% of his opponents, turned in an impressive 5.9% stroll fee and stored the ball on the bottom at a really robust 52.5% clip — all whereas averaging 98.8 mph on his sinker. Add in that he’s controllable for an additional 5 seasons, and the attraction turns into all of the extra clear.
Fortunately for the Mariners, it seems Santos has prevented the kind of vital lat pressure that has brought about numerous pitchers monthslong absences lately. If he’s in a position to return early within the season, as at the moment’s replace suggests, then the Mariners determine to have one of many sport’s higher bullpens. Brash and Santos are high-end setup choices for one of many sport’s premier relievers: nearer Andres Munoz. Stanek is a veteran choice with setup expertise who can work within the center innings. Final 12 months’s unheralded acquisitions of Gabe Speier, Tayler Saucedo and Trent Thornton all yielded glorious outcomes, and even when that trio sees some regression, it’s a deep and proficient group if the M’s can get their high names wholesome on the identical time.
