The Seattle Mariners are once again navigating a series of injuries as they placed outfielder Rob Refsnyder on the 10-day injured list due to ongoing issues in both knees. Refsnyder, who has served as a right-handed hitting option in right field and as a designated hitter, has struggled to maintain productivity while battling these injuries. The team has brought in Buddy Kennedy, a newly acquired player capable of filling roles at third base, first base, and the outfield, to take his place on the roster.
Despite efforts to manage his health, Refsnyder’s condition appears to be more persistent than initially hoped. Last week, he received injections in both knees in an attempt to alleviate the pain, but progress has been limited. As a result, he will head to Arizona for rehabilitation in hopes of returning to the field without discomfort.
In addition to Refsnyder’s situation, the Mariners provided updates on other players dealing with injuries. Outfielder Luke Raley remains active despite a strain in his left (non-throwing) arm, which he has shown the ability to play through. Raley could be back in right field within a few days if he continues to progress. Meanwhile, Dominic Canzone is managing tightness in his hamstring, which may restrict his time in the field, though his bat remains essential to the lineup. The Mariners have opted to keep Canzone active, similar to the approach they took with Jorge Polanco last season, as they believe his offensive contributions outweigh the risks of aggravating his injury.
General Manager Justin Hollander defended the Mariners’ training staff, emphasizing their commitment to player health amid these challenges. He also provided updates on sidelined pitchers Matt Brash and Cooper Criswell, both of whom are expected to return in August, pending the results of MRIs scheduled for July 6th. Utility player Brendan Donovan is making progress, having completed a week of near full-effort running and batting cage work, but his return is also projected for August or later.
When asked about the Mariners’ strategy of keeping injured players on the active roster rather than placing them on the injured list for extended periods, Hollander explained that the team evaluates each case individually. They believe that some players can return and perform effectively within a shorter timeframe, which informs their decision-making process.
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
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