Mariners notebook: Healy status unknown after suffering ankle injury after game

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – When it rains, it pours, and eventually snows. Add Ryon Healy to the list of walking (with crutches and in a boot) wounded for the Mariners.

Mariners’ game against the Twins postponed

Healy is a surprise addition to the list, as he came out of the game Saturday just fine having recorded his second hit of the season – a much needed three-run double – and earning himself an onfield interview with yours truly. No, the trouble came later, as Mariners manager Scott Servais explained.

“After the game yesterday, he went into the weight room to work out,” Servais said. “He twisted his ankle pretty bad doing the workout. Nothing more than some plyometrics, back and forth, rolled his ankle. I don’t know how severe it is yet.”

Healy, who was seen by trainers again Sunday morning, is scheduled for a MRI and is not expected to play in the upcoming series against the Royals. Servais will look at matchups to determine who plays at first base and designatred hitter the next three days. In addition to Daniel Vogelbach, Andrew Romine, Taylor Motter (and, in a pinch, Mike Marjama) can all play first.

While the situation at first base is still up in the air, the pitching, while not yet officially announced, has been settled. Marco Gonzales, who was the scheduled starter for the game that was postponed today, will get the ball Monday in Kansas City with Felix Hernandez and James Paxton pushed to Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Since the Mariners are not skipping a starter they will not need to call Ariel Miranda up to take the Wednesday start. The fifth starter spot comes around again April 11, and Miranda will be considered for that start along with Erasmo Ramirez, although it seems unlikely his pitch count would be high enough after making is first rehab start Saturday.

Notes

• Turns out it was a combination of temperatures, snow, and perhaps most importantly clouds, that led to the decision to postpone the game Sunday.

“There’s no sun out there today, that’s what saved us yesterday,” said Servais. “If it had been overcast we would not have played. And the snow is going to hit here (today). We were lucky to get yesterday’s game in.”

The game Saturday was the coldest game on record either team had ever played in.

– Despite the postponement, most guys took the opportunity to get some work in before the Mariners charter took off for Kansas City. There was a steady stream of hitters who took their swings in the batting cages behind the dugout and a number of pitchers threw as well.

Injury updates

The report on Nelson Cruz is his ankle now feels normal. He will begin baseball activity in the next couple of days.

Mike Zunino also continues to progress and should resume baseball activity Monday.

Ben Gamel has gone 4 x 9 with a double in three games on his rehab assignment with Modesto. He is expected to join the Rainiers as they head to Fresno and the better climate Tuesday.

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