Mariners: Ty France and Evan White add to injury issues

Ty France and Evan White have both been placed on the 10-day IL, as the Seattle Mariners’ injury concerns continue to mount.

While injuries are a part of baseball, the Mariners just don’t seem to be able to catch a break in this area of late. Here is a look at their latest additions to the injured list, together with an update for other players already on there:

Ty France

Left wrist inflammation

Ty France‘s move to the IL following Thursday’s game versus the Cleveland Indians was a reflection of the recent struggles with his wrist. Since the Mariners’ second series this season against the Houston Astros, he has gone just 2-for-38.

This is obviously a concern for a player who is arguably Seattle’s most natural hitter when fully healthy. It doesn’t help when you’ve been hit by five pitches so far this season – most on the ball club.

In this respect France has actually been struggling since being hit by a pitch on April 19, albeit on his other wrist. At the time he had hits in 13 of 17 games, compared to just eight out of 20 games since.

Another way to measure the 26-year-old’s diminished impact is his slash line, which has been .157/.263/.229 since April 19. Prior to his first wrist issue, he was hitting .311/.411/.525.

France will also be missed for his versatility while he is out, having lined up at first, second and third base, to go along with his duties as a designated hitter. However, it is clear he needs time to rest and rehabilitate, with the Mariners quite rightly thinking long-term.

Evan White

Strained left hip flexor

It’s been a tough year so far for Evan White, who has already missed time due to a family bereavement. Now he will be absent again, as a result of the injury he sustained while diving for a ball during Thursday’s game against the Indians.

White will certainly create a void at first base, where he has provided exceptional defense for the Mariners. This comes as no surprise, given that last year he became the first ever rookie first baseman to win a Gold Glove since the award was created in 1957.

The 25-year-old led all American League first baseman last season with seven Defensive Runs Saved and seven Scoops. In addition, he was the second first baseman in franchise history to win a Gold Glove, with John Olerud previously winning three such awards for the Mariners.

However, as much of an asset White has been on defense, the same cannot be said for his offense. While he is a bit banged up, there is no getting around the reality he has struggled with his bat at the Major League level.

White was on a 3-for-42 run in his last 12 games prior to being placed on the IL, and has a poor .144/.202/.237 slash line on the season. Seattle was contemplating optioning him to Triple-A to work on his hitting, but potentially some rest and recovery will prove beneficial to the 2017 first round draft pick.

Nick Margevicius

Thoracic outlet syndrome

When previously providing an update on Nick Margevicius, we noted our concerns that there had been no news since he went for an MRI. Unfortunately for everyone involved, this concern has turned out to be justified.

On Thursday, Margevicius was transferred from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL. Initially diagnosed with left shoulder inflammation, it now transpires he has thoracic outlet syndrome.

It is an understatement to say this is unfortunate for the 24-year-old. If he decides to undergo surgery, his season will more than likely be over.

Further, thoracic outlet syndrome surgery has a risk of complications, such as injury to the brachial plexus. As per Mayo Clinc, surgery may also not relieve the symptoms, which could recur.

Margevicius has appeared in five games for the Mariners this season — including three starts — going 0-2 with an 8.25 ERA, seven walks and 12 strikeouts in 12.0 innings. His best game was against the Astros, when he allowed just one hit and one earned run in 4.0 innings.

Ljay Newsome

UCL injury

Ljay Newsome was originally placed on the 10-day IL last Sunday with right elbow inflammation. However, as with Margevicius, it turns out his injury was more serious than first believed.

On Thursday, Newsome was transferred to the 60-day IL due to UCL damage. Manager Scott Servais has confirmed Tommy John Surgery is now a possibility for the pitcher.

If the 24-year-old opts to go down this route, he will be out for the remainder of this year and probably at least half of the 2022 campaign as well. He is under team control until the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Newsome is 1-1 with a 7.98 ERA, three walks and 16 strikeouts in 7 games (14.2 innings) this season, including one start. He registered his first Major League win on April 18 at Houston, pitching two innings and giving up no hits, runs or walks, while striking out one batter.

Who do you believe the Mariners will miss most out of France and White? For White in particular, how concerned are you about his ongoing hitting issues? Let us know in the comments section below.