Bryce Miller is the biggest concern for the Mariners, but the likes of Victor Robles and Ryan Bliss have also been dealing with knocks.
Just like that, the start of the regular season is now just around the corner, with opening day coming next week. The Mariners will begin their season on Mar. 26 versus the Guardians, with the bonus of it being at home to really bring that opening day vibe to Seattle.
Obviously with opening day coming, injuries are at the forefront of the mind for teams around the majors including the Mariners. Here’s the latest updates on what manager Dan Wilson will potentially have to deal with to begin the biggest season in franchise history:
J.P. Crawford – Right shoulder soreness
On the surface this is not meant to be anything too serious, as J.P. Crawford dealt with a similar issue last spring and Wilson previously advised a lot of guys deal with stuff year after year. At the same time however, the shoulder soreness seems to be lingering longer than anyone would like.
Out since the opening Cactus League game, Crawford had finally returned to the lineup as a designated hitter in the 7-6 loss to the Angels a couple of weeks ago, but has now missed the last five games after the issue resurfaced. General manager Justin Hollander insists the concern level is not high, but the 2020 Gold Glover travelled to Texas to have his shoulder reexamined and his opening day status is now uncertain.
Bryce Miller – Left side oblique inflammation
This remains the biggest concern for the Mariners, with Bryce Miller’s availability for the start of the regular season officially in doubt. It’s been a rough time for the righty, who previously dealt with elbow issues throughout last season which actually dated back to the end of the previous campaign.
Miller suffered the left side oblique inflammation in his first start of spring training, but the Mariners were confident he would be ready to pitch again during spring training. Unfortunately he suffered a setback early in a full bullpen session on Mar. 11, and we will find out more this coming week with the hope he will be in position to attempt another one.
Victor Robles – Right shoulder soreness
No one is more motivated than Victor Robles to have a big year after a mostly lost 2025 season. However, the shoulder which he dislocated last April has been causing him soreness again this spring, leading to the Mariners understandably taking a cautious approach with him.
Robles was limited to designated hitter duties when he returned on Mar. 8 versus the Brewers, but was finally back in the outfield on Saturday against the Angels. He didn’t play on Sunday but is expected to be in the outfield again on Tuesday, as he aims to return to the outstanding form he showed for the Mariners in 2024 after joining the team in June.
Other Mariners injury news
It was confirmed at the end of January that Logan Evans would miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing UCL surgery. Currently on the 60-day injured list, he will be sorely missed as a depth rotation option, after providing invaluable support last year with 15 starts (and another appearance) during his debut Major League campaign.
Ryan Bliss had been the Mariners’ opening day second baseman last season, but suffered an injury on Apr. 8 and did not play again. He hasn’t played in spring since Mar. 9 due to what has been described as a small issue, but is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday versus the Rockies.
Outfielder Brennan Davis has enjoyed a tremendous spring with the Mariners, highlighted by a 1.274 OPS in 40 plate appearances. He left Saturday’s game versus the Angels due to a hamstring issue but, as per Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports, Wilson advised this was just for precautionary reasons and shouldn’t be anything major.
Photos courtesy of Tim Rogers Photography
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