Mariners get good news on Matt Brash but still underlying concern

Following a report that Matt Brash’s season might be over, he will start throwing again for the Mariners on Tuesday, but there is a caveat.

The Seattle Mariners have seemingly dodged a bullet with Matt Brash, after we previously wrote on Thursday that he reportedly could have been set to miss the entire 2024 season. However there has now been an update, which is more positive for the player, team and fans alike.

As per a report from Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports, Brash is now expected to begin throwing again early next week. Speaking on Friday, executive vice president and general manager Justin Hollander said:

“He got an MRI that was reviewed by our physicians and Doctor (Keith) Meister. He also went to see Doctor Meister. The conclusion of everyone is (Brash is) diagnosed with medial elbow inflammation. He’s doing really well with the treatment, we anticipate starting a throwing program on Tuesday or Wednesday.”

Now it should be noted that Brash still won’t be ready for opening day, but this is clearly better news given the previous speculation. He is one of the top relievers on the Mariners, in a bullpen which was one of the very best in the Majors last season and is expected to be so again in 2024.

The 25-year-old had a 3.06 ERA and 2.26 FIP in 70.2 combined innings last season, as well as an impressive 107 strikeouts. His 78 appearances lead all Major League relievers and his slider is arguably the best pitch on the Mariners staff, with it resulting in 71 of his strikeouts.

Not entirely in the clear

As much as it’s a great relief for everyone involved, it doesn’t entirely eradicate all of the doubts. For a start, there will still be some concern until he’s actually back out there again pitching in a game, along with wondering how effective he will be.

However, of more underlying importance is other comments Hollander made on Friday, when discussing Brash’s medial elbow inflammation. This includes noting that no surgical procedure has been called for as of right now.

This alludes to the reality that surgery was a possibility, as opposed to outright not being necessary. And while the decision was made not to undergo the knife at this time, it might still be necessary further down the road.

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Of course the Mariners will understandably be cautious with their approach to Brash, in gradually building him up to be able to play again. In addition, his MRI was consistent with previous scans of his elbow.

At the same time though, something could theoretically still go wrong for the Kingston, Ontario native. As such, it’s a case hoping everything goes to plan in his rehabilitation.

In this respect, Mariners manager Scott Servais appreciates the somewhat precarious nature of the situation. As per Drayer, he said:

“Any time guys have arm issues, oftentimes people go to the worst-case scenario. I don’t think we are out of the woods yet by any means, but the initial report and where we are going to go with it is positive. We are going to pick up a ball soon and see where it goes from there. Good for him. And again, we will keep our fingers crossed.”

Other injury news

Another reliever also currently on the sidelines, is the recently acquired Gregory Santos. He was shut down after feeling discomfort in his teres major muscle, which runs lateral to the scapula in the back of his shoulder.

The good news is that Santos is now progressing through a throwing program, as part of his recovery. However, at this stage the Mariners are unsure if he will be ready for opening day.

One final player also contending with injury issues is Luis Urías, who is projected to share third base duties with Josh Rojas.  He has been dealing with inflammation to his right throwing shoulder.

Urías took a positive step by starting throwing infield drills on Friday, with the hope that he will be ready to go for opening day. It helps that he has still been able to DH for the Mariners, including producing a hit in two at-bats during Thursday’s 6-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Where do you stand on Brash? Are you confident he will pitch the majority of the 2024 season for the Mariners, or concerned that it’s a tenuous situation with the reliever? Let us know in the comments section below.