The Seattle Mariners placed right-hander Matt Brash on the 15-day injured list with a lat strain, retroactive to June 9. In a corresponding move, the team recalled right-hander Domingo González from Triple-A Tacoma. The Mariners also reinstated infielder Miles Mastrobuoni from the 60-day injured list and optioned infielder Ryan Bliss back to the minors. To open a 40-man roster spot, right-hander Yosver Zulueta was designated for assignment.
Brash’s injury marks the second time this season he has landed on the IL due to lat issues. He missed the first three weeks of May due to inflammation in the same area. This latest setback comes at a tough time for the Mariners, who rely heavily on Brash as a key setup man in their bullpen. Brash has a 0.54 ERA in 16 2/3 innings this season, and a 3.06 ERA over 185 1/3 career innings.
With Brash out, the Mariners are left with a thinner bullpen. They are currently operating with a six-man starting rotation, which limits their relief depth to just seven relievers. The team has already taxed its bullpen recently, with Andrés Muñoz, Jose A. Ferrer, Eduard Bazardo and Gabe Speier each pitching in two of the past three days.
Domingo González returns to the majors after being sent down in May. He was acquired from the Reds in January and has spent most of the season in Triple-A, where he has posted a 5.75 ERA in 20 1/3 innings. González has struggled with control, walking 16.3% of batters faced in the minors this year. While his 21.4% strikeout rate and 56.9% ground ball rate are positives, his command issues remain a concern.
Yosver Zulueta now faces DFA limbo. The 28-year-old has never pitched in a major league game for the Mariners and has a 3.94 ERA in Triple-A with a 26.9% strikeout rate but a 14.3% walk rate. He has walked just 10.9% of batters in a small 23 2/3 inning major league sample. The Mariners have up to five days to explore trade interest or place him on waivers. If unclaimed, they can keep him as non-roster depth.
The Mariners will need to shore up their bullpen quickly as the schedule remains tight. Brash’s expected absence could stretch beyond a few weeks, and the team will have to rely on fresh arms to keep up with the demands of the season. González will get a chance to make an impact, while Zulueta’s future with the team remains uncertain.
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