Notebook: Mariners weighing options at 2B after Bliss injury

When Ryan Bliss hit a sharp line drive double into left field on Tuesday night, it appeared the discomfort he showed on a swing earlier in the game wasn’t much of an issue.

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It turns out it was, as Bliss went on the 10-day injured list on with a left biceps tear Wednesday morning. Now the already banged-up Seattle Mariners are down their starting second baseman just 12 games into the season.

“It’s a really tough break, especially for Ryan,” manager Dan Wilson said before Wednesday’s game. “I think he showed a lot of heart. He played most of the game with it yesterday. I think it shows you a lot about what’s inside of him, the character that he has.”

It’s unclear exactly how long Bliss will be out at this point. He had an MRI done Wednesday morning and the team was still awaiting the results when Wilson spoke with the media.

With Bliss out, utilityman Miles Mastrobuoni got the start at second base and was hitting eighth against Astros right-hander Hunter Brown.

Wilson said the team will continue to weigh its options at second base moving forward. Those options also include Dylan Moore and Leo Rivas, who was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma when Bliss went on the IL.

“D-Mo’s been swinging the bat. Miles is gonna get a chance today,” Wilson said. “(We’ll) continue to look at different options and see where we go forward from here. Ryan played such good defense there and really made the most of his opportunity when he had it, and now we’re going to have to make that adjustment.”

However, Moore has mostly played third base this year due to knee and oblique issues that have limited Jorge Polanco to just six starts. The switch-hitter was back in the lineup Wednesday in the No. 2 spot as the designated hitter.

The injury to Bliss is the latest for Mariners squad that’s without starting pitcher George Kirby, right fielder Victor Robles and key relievers Matt Brash and Troy Taylor.

“Injuries are always difficult,” Wilson said. “I always say it’s never a good time for an injury, and that always proves to be true. But baseball is a game of adjustments. We have to adjust.”

Brash throws live BP

Right-hander Matt Brash was on the field pregame for a live batting practice session as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery he underwent last May.

Brash faced four batters – two at-bats each against Everett AquaSox catcher Andrew Miller and infielder Milkar Perez  – and threw roughly 15-20 pitches. He generated a few whiffs, and none of the little contact that was made left the infield.

Matt Brash is out on the field throwing a live batting practice this morning. pic.twitter.com/1VyHaT4WKN

— Zac Hereth (@ZacHereth) April 9, 2025

“I thought he looked really good. Good velocity on the fastball, I thought his slider looked good,” Wilson said. “I know he’s anxious, I know he’s ready and it was really good to see him out there today.”

On Monday, general manager Justin Hollander said the team would make a decision on if Brash was ready to start a rehab assignment after assessing Wednesday’s session.

Brash missed all of last season with his elbow injury.

In an MLB-high 78 appearances in 2023, the hard-throwing reliever went 9-4 with four saves, a 3.06 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 107 strikeouts over 70 2/3 innings.

Lawrence brought up for length

The Mariners made an additional pair of roster moves before the game, selecting the contract of right-hander Casey Lawrence from Tacoma and sending right-hander Jesse Hahn to the Rainiers.

Lawrence, who’s appeared in 59 games over four big league seasons, was brought up to give the bullpen an arm who could go multiple innings after Tuesday’s 12-inning loss to the Astros. Lawrence made 29 starts for Tacoma last season and two thus far in 2025.

“(It’s) a chance to get a little length and shore up our bullpen and have the arms that we need for today’s game,” Wilson said.

Hahn pitched two innings Tuesday night and took the loss after allowing an RBI single to Victor Caratini in the top of the 12th. In two appearances, the right-hander struck out three batters, and allowed one unearned run on three hits and four walks (three intentional) over four innings.

“I thought Jesse threw the ball very, very well,” Wilson said. “… He’s a guy that especially last night really attacked the zone, gave us what we needed and it’s a shame that we weren’t able to get the W for him.”

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