The Seattle Mariners have placed Wade LeBlanc on the 10-day injury list, but he is projected to be out considerably longer.
The Seattle Mariners have placed Wade LeBlanc on the 10-day injury list with a right oblique strain, retroactive to April 13. However, his absence is expected to be substantially longer.
As reported by MLB.com reporter Greg Johns, LeBlanc suffered a Grade 2 strain. As such, he is projected to miss between 4-6 weeks.
The 34-year-old sustained the injury on Friday, during the fifth inning of his start against the Houston Astros. At the time of being pulled from the game, he had two outs and the Mariners were leading.
The loss of the experienced LeBlanc will be a tough one for the M’s to contend with. So far in 2019 he has a 2-0 record in three starts, with a 4.50 ERA and 4.21 FIP.
The Southpaw has a trio of pitches he uses regularly, including a 86 mph sinker, 84 mph cutter and 79 mph change. However, his sinker has been extremely ineffective this year, so he has had to rely more on his cutter and change.
LeBlanc returned to Seattle for the 2018 season — he previously pitched for the M’s in 2016 — impressing with a 9-5 record in 27 starts, while recording a 3.72 ERA and 1.179 WHIP. During the year he signed a $2 million extension for 2019, with $5 million options for 2020, 2021 and 2022.
LeBlanc’s place on the roster has been taken by rookie Eric Swanson. He is expected to become a part of the rotation beginning on Wednesday, with fans hoping to see him take advantage of a great fastball which can reach 95 mph.
The right-hander made his Major League debut for the Mariners on Thursday against the Kansas City Royals, but didn’t get off to the most auspicious of starts. He allowed three hits and a couple of runs in two innings of action, although he did also strike out four batters.
What is your take on how LeBlanc has performed so far this season for the Seattle Mariners? What kind of impact are you predicting for Swanson? Let us know in the comments section below.
