SHANNON DRAYER

Jerry Dipoto gives updates on Tony Zych, Mariners’ injured relievers

May 5, 2016, 9:27 AM | Updated: 9:35 am

Tony Zych is back with the Mariners after three months out for an injury originally thought to be l...

Tony Zych is back with the Mariners after three months out for an injury originally thought to be less serious. (AP)

(AP)

LISTEN: Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto reacts after sweep of Athletics

On his weekly appearance on “Danny Dave and Moore” Wednesday, Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto gave an update on reliever Tony Zych, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with shoulder tendinitis.

“Tony is probably going to be down four to six weeks, which frankly is probably pretty good news for us,” Dipoto said. “We were a little nervous sending him back to Seattle for test yesterday, but it came back and the news was a little better than expected.”

Video: Nelson Cruz mashes 435-foot homer in Mariners’ win

Zych had been dealing with shoulder soreness for the past week to 10 days. He pitched a 1-2-3 inning Sunday against the Royals, striking out the side, but his shoulder did not respond well after that. He was replaced on the 25-man roster with reliever Steve Johnson from Triple-A Tacoma.

Dipoto gave updates on the three other relievers who are also on the DL. Joaquin Benoit is expected to throw from the mound in the next four or five days and could return as soon as May 15. Ryan Cook, who suffered a lat injury in spring training, is progressing a bit better than expected and could be ready at the start of June; he’s eligible to come off the 60-day DL June 2. Charlie Furbush, who threw from the mound for the first time Sunday since being shut down, is continuing to progress.

“Charlie Furbush feels good every day,” Dipoto said. “We are taking Charlie day by day. We have no expectations because it has been so long since he has pitched live, but his progress is moving right along.”

Wyman & Bob

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
High 52° | Low 42°
No game today.

Shannon Drayer

Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh...

Shannon Drayer

Mariners’ young core, now veterans, fueled by last year’s letdown

Falling back can be a part of growing up, and for the once young core of the Seattle Mariners, it is now part of their DNA.

9 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh...

Shannon Drayer

Why Mariners hitters are embracing new approach to offense

The Seattle Mariners have new players, new coaches and new messaging for their offense. Based on spring training, it's all landing.

1 day ago

Seattle Mariners Gabe Speier...

Shannon Drayer

Inside how the Mariners’ pitching lab gets most out of relievers

With two of the Seattle Mariners' best relievers beginning the season on the injured list, the team's “pitching lab” has perhaps never been needed more.

2 days ago

Seattle Mariners Dominic Canzone...

Shannon Drayer

Breakdown: What Mariners bring north this year is very different

How is the group the Seattle Mariners are bringing north from Arizona? Insider Shannon Drayer details the roster -- and some thoughts from clubhouse leaders -- after 40 days at spring training.

4 days ago

Seattle Mariners Emerson Hancock...

Shannon Drayer

Drayer’s Mariners Notebook: Expectations for demoted players, more

Shannon Drayer details plans for the players not making the Seattle Mariners' opening day roster and much more in her latest notebook.

5 days ago

Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh Julio Rodríguez...

Shannon Drayer

Drayer: A look around the diamond as Mariners near opening day

Let's take a trip around the diamond with thoughts on each position as the Seattle Mariners are less than a week from the start of 2024.

6 days ago

Jerry Dipoto gives updates on Tony Zych, Mariners’ injured relievers