The Seattle Mariners are finally getting some good news on the injury front. After a season filled with both short-term setbacks and extended absences, several key players are nearing their return to the active roster—just in time for a critical stretch of the season.
Before Friday’s game against the San Diego Padres, Mariners general manager Justin Hollander delivered a mixed update. On one hand, starting catcher and 2025 American League MVP finalist Cal Raleigh will be shut down for a week due to a right oblique strain before being reevaluated. Losing a player of Raleigh’s caliber is a tough blow for Seattle’s lineup. On the other hand, reinforcements are on the way.
Right-handed reliever Matt Brash has been sidelined since May 1 with right lat inflammation, but he’s making serious progress. Brash made his first rehab appearance with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers on Thursday and promptly struck out the side in order. The Mariners are being cautious with his recovery, but the signs are promising. Hollander noted that the team will reassess Brash’s condition over the weekend, with a potential activation during the current homestand (which ends Wednesday) looking increasingly likely. “We just want to make sure we’re doing the right thing for Matt,” Hollander said. “These injuries can be tricky. If he feels confident and the training staff agrees, we’ll talk about the right day to bring him back.” Brash has been dominant when healthy this season, not allowing a single earned run across 14 major league appearances.
Outfielder Victor Robles is also closing in on a return after missing over a month with a right pec strain. Placed on the injured list on April 8 (retroactive to April 7), Robles has been on a rehab assignment with the Rainiers since May 3. In nine games with the Triple-A club, he’s slashed impressively, showing the kind of spark the Mariners have missed in the outfield. His return could provide a much-needed boost to both the lineup and the clubhouse energy.
As the Mariners navigate this season’s ups and downs, having Brash and Robles back in the fold could be the turning point they’ve been waiting for. For now, all eyes are on the next few days as Seattle looks to get its key contributors back on the field.