Mariners: Injury updates on Marco Gonzales, Nick Margevicius and more

We take a look at the latest injury news for the Mariners, who in particular are contending with a number of pitching casualties.

We maintain that if anything, the Mariners are ahead of schedule in their plan to rebuild the franchise and become consistent contenders. Regardless, it doesn’t change the reality that after a bright start to the 2021 season, they are now in a slump.

Following the three-game set against the Rangers, the Mariners have lost three of their previous four series. Injuries have not helped however, particularly the pitching, contributing to an inconsistent rotation and an overused bullpen.

Ljay Newsome was the latest arm to be moved to the 10-day injured list on Sunday, due to right elbow inflammation. Here is a look at the injury updates for the rest of the Mariners’ casualty list:

Marco Gonzales

On the IL since April 29

The most important player currently out, Marco Gonzales has been on the IL since suffering a left forearm strain against the Astros. While it is never good for your staff ace to pick up an injury, the timing was particularly bad.

Gonzales had recovered from a tough beginning to the 2021 season and was on a run of three excellent starts. During this time, he had only allowed a combined 10 hits and 5 earned runs in 18.0 innings.

At the time the 29-year-old was placed on the IL it was suggested he would miss at least a couple of starts, although it was encouraging he was able to play catch just three days later. The last update by manger Scott Servais confirmed he is making good progress in his recovery and is set to resume throwing off a mound this week.

The Mariners are making sure to take a smart and cautious approach with Gonzales’ rehabilitation. While his timetable is unclear at the time of writing, he is projected to return to action before the end of May.

Nick Margevicius

On the IL since April 26

There was some surprise when Nick Margevicius was taken out of his start against the Astros after just 4.0 innings, having only allowed a hit and one earned run. Servais advised after the game it was just due to arm fatigue and didn’t seem too concerned.

However, it was evident something was wrong during Margevicius’ next start against the Red Sox. He allowed two hits and four earned runs in just 0.1 innings, before being removed from the game.

The 24-year-old was placed on the 10-day IL with left shoulder inflammation, while awaiting the results of his MRI. It is somewhat worrying that there have been no updates since, making a timeline for his return tough to predict at this stage.

Casey Sadler

On the IL since May 2

Casey Sadler has been a key member of the Mariners’ bullpen this season, allowing just eight hits during 11 appearances. Further, he had only given up two earned runs in 11.0 combined innings, for an ERA of 1.64.

However, Sadler experienced some soreness in his shoulder following his most recent outing against the Angels. As a result, he was placed on the 10-day IL with right shoulder inflammation.

At the time, it was advised the 30-year-old would be out of action for up to two weeks. Pending any further updates, this theoretically means he should return to the roster sometime during the next homestand between May 13-19.

Keynan Middleton

On the IL since May 5

When the Mariners signed Keynan Middelton to a one-year, incentive-based contract for this season, it was seen as a smart move. There was everything to gain with a player who had previously showing periods of dominating form, but was coming off a poor 2020 with the Angels.

In this respect, Middleton has so far done a lot right for the Mariners during 11 appearances, which includes two holds and a couple of saves. He has recorded a 3.86 ERA over 11.2 innings and his 0.86 WHIP is well below his career average of 1.30.

As such, there was a lot of frustration for everyone concerned, when the 27-year-old was placed on the 10-day IL with a right biceps strain. At the time of writing, no recovery timeline has been announced by the ball club.

Jake Fraley

On the IL since April 7

Jake Fraley was unfortunate to suffer a left hamstring strain while making a sensational diving catch in an early season game against the White Sox. At the time, it was projected he would be sidelined for around two weeks.

This obviously hasn’t turned out to be the case, with Fraley still out of action. At least there was some encouragement last week, with the news he is now hitting in a cage and throwing on the field.

Other Mariners’ injury notes

Shed Long Jr. was transferred from the 10-day to 60-day IL on April 27, as he continues his slow recovery from a surgically-repaired right shin.

James Paxton’s season was officially ended when he underwent Tommy John surgery towards the end of April.

Andres Munoz’s rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery was halted in March due to a setback and as of the latest update last month, he has yet to resume throwing.

Ken Giles continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery and is expected to be available for the Mariners at some point during next season.

When do you realistically expect Gonzales to return for the Mariners? Further, which of the other injured players are you most looking forward to seeing again? Let us know in the comments section below.