Mariners Injury Updates: Kyle Lewis may need concussion IL stint
May 31, 2022, 3:33 PM | Updated: 3:46 pm
(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
It’s been known that the Mariners will take things easy on Kyle Lewis’ surgically-repaired right knee now that the 2020 American League Rookie of the Year has returned after nearly a year out of action. That’s not the only reason they’re taking it easy with him this week, however.
Scott Servais Show: M’s bats more aggressive, rotation trending up
Lewis, who was held out of the lineup Sunday afternoon after a night game, will not play Tuesday in Baltimore following an off day for Seattle due to concussion-like symptoms. Lewis was struck by a pitch from Astros starter José Urquidy on Saturday, with the ball first hitting him in the left shoulder then ricocheting off his head. Though Lewis initially stayed in that game, he did come out for a pinch-hitter in what would have been his next plate appearance.
The 26-year-old Lewis is with the team in Baltimore but could be headed for a seven-day concussion injured list stint after playing just four games since his return from his knee injury, according to Mariners insider Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports. Drayer added that if the move were to be made, it would be retroactive to Saturday as it was when the injury occurred as well as the last time he played.
If he is placed on the 7-day concussion IL it would be retroactive to Sat. https://t.co/hAW1TxtITS
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) May 31, 2022
Mariners manager Scott Servais said a clear decision on Lewis regarding the IL will probably be made Wednesday.
Lewis is 4 for 15 (.267) with two home runs for the Mariners this season since returning from a torn meniscus and surgery, though it’s clear the knee isn’t 100%, limiting him to designated hitter. In the four games he has played, the struggling M’s offense has scored 19 runs for an average of 4.75 per game, which is much better then the 3.98 they’re averaging over the season entering Tuesday.
The Mariners have already lost a key hitter shortly after a return from the IL stint season. Mitch Haniger could be out until July with a high-ankle sprain he sustained in early May during his first plate appearance back from the COVID-19 IL.
Here are a few more injury notes shared by Servais during his pregame media session Tuesday:
• Veteran relief pitcher Ken Giles is currently on a rehab assignment, though Servais said the team will need to be patient as he works his way back. Giles, 31, missed all of last season following Tommy John surgery and suffered a finger injury in spring training that further delayed his M’s debut. He’s pitched in one game for Triple-A Tacoma thus far, allowing one unearned run on a hit and a walk while striking out two Sunday.
• Right-handed reliever Erik Swanson, who was off to a strong start out of Seattle’s bullpen this season, could return before the Mariners’ road trip ends next week, Servais said. Swanson, who went on the IL with shoulder inflammation on May 14, has allowed just two runs over 13 appearances (14 innings) for a 1.29 ERA with 21 strikeouts and just one walk this season.
• Infielder Abraham Toro, who is on the IL with a shoulder injury, could rejoin the Mariners during their current series in Baltimore after a short rehab assignment with Single-A Everett on Monday night.
The man of the hour, Abraham Toro pic.twitter.com/1a6XBae2wW
— Everett AquaSox (@EverettAquaSox) May 31, 2022