Justin Hollander provided a raft of injury updates prior to today’s game
Today was the first installment of Mariners GM Justin Hollander’s pre-homestand injury updates, and it was a lengthy one, as one might expect given the start of the season. For readability, we’ll sort his updates into the MLB side and the minor-league side.
MLB updates:
- Victor Robles (dislocated shoulder): Obviously the top-of-mind concern for most Mariners fans, Robles has been placed on the 10-day IL with what the team is calling a left shoulder dislocation. He is having images taken and more info is to come. Dominic Canzone has been recalled to take his place.
- Jorge Polanco (knee, side?): Polanco missed an extra game in addition to his scheduled rest game during the Giants series, per Hollander, not because of his surgically repaired knee, but because he apparently tweaked something in his side on a swing and was experiencing tenderness in the area (Possibly on this swing.) He’s back in at DH tonight to get his bat in the lineup but it seems like the team will be cautious with playing him in the field, between the side and the knee.
- Troy Taylor (lat strain): Scheduled to throw an inning with Tacoma on Wednesday and then will be evaluated as to whether he needs more rehab outings or is ready to be activated.
- George Kirby (shoulder inflammation): Kirby threw a bullpen this weekend and felt “great”, per Hollander; he’ll have two more ‘pens this week and then they will put him through a traditional, spring training-style game progression, assuming all goes well. So far, Kirby is hitting every benchmark the team wants him to and is on-track for a May return, or even late April, although Hollander cautioned that is “optimistic.”
- Matt Brash (UCL reconstruction): Traveled with the team to SF and threw a bullpen there; he’s scheduled to throw a bullpen this week and if all goes smoothly, will head out on a weather-dependent rehab assignment shortly after.
- Jackson Kowar (UCL reconstruction): On track for a late April/early May rehab assignment.
MiLB updates:
- RHP Hunter Cranton (concussion): Has exited the concussion protocol and is symptom free. Will require significant ramping-up time after missing most of spring with a prolonged illness and the concussion.
- Jonny Farmelo (torn ACL): The top prospect is taking live BP and awaiting final clearance this week to start a game progression; the organization feels he’s on-track for a late April return. “He’s ahead of schedule and looks awesome,” says Hollander.
- RHP Tyler Gough: Had TJ surgery in September and will not play this season, but will begin a throwing progression at some point later in the year.
- Two-way player Grant Knipp: Had a UCL reconstruction with the brace inserted; will miss all of this season and part of the next.
- RHP Juan Pinto: Also had a UCL reconstruction with the brace. Similar to Knipp, projected to return in June of 2026.
- OF Cade Marlowe (back): Had a procedure to repair a bulging disc; will be out until July, at least.
- RHP Teddy McGraw (flexor tendon): Had a flareup of flexor tendor pain while working through his throwing program and is scheduled to visit Dr. Keith Meister to decide on how best to address the issue, through a more conservative approach or yet another surgery.
- RHP Michael Morales (elbow): Had elbow inflammation over the winter, so got a late start to spring. The organization anticipates he’ll be able to be activated by Double-A Arkansas in two to three weeks.
- RHP Cole Phillips (UCL reconstruction): Had a stress reaction in his arm that delayed his recovery from TJ surgery; the organization is hoping he can get into games towards the end of the season.
- RHP Will Riley: Right shoulder capsule repair. Will miss the year, but should be ready for spring training 2026.