Mariners could face old friend Marco Gonzales in Rangers series

The Seattle Mariners are set to make a trip to Texas to face the American League West-rival Rangers this weekend, and it might include a reunion with a former M’s opening day starter.

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The Rangers selected the contract of left-hander Marco Gonzales from Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday, marking a big step in the comeback journey for the Gonzaga product.

The Mariners begin a critical three-game series with Gonzales’ Rangers on Friday at Globe Life Field. The clubs are jockeying position atop the AL West, with Texas entering Wednesday with a one-half game lead.

Gonzales got into his first game for Texas on Tuesday night, closing out a 10-0 win over the Chicago White Sox with three innings of scoreless relief for his first career save. It was his first MLB game since 2024 and his first relief appearance since he was with the Mariners in 2017.

The 34-year-old Gonzales, who still makes his offseason home in the Seattle area, had last pitched in the majors for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He appeared in 10 games for the Pirates in 2024 before undergoing flexor tendon surgery on his left elbow in August, which forced him to also miss all of the 2025 season.

The left-hander resurfaced in February, signing a minor-league deal with the San Diego Padres. After spending time with San Diego’s Triple-A affiliate, he was released on June 16 and signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers one week later.

Gonzales had an 8.64 ERA over 64 innings pitched between both his stops in the minors this year.

A native of Fort Collins, Colo., Gonzales pitched in 151 games (148 starts) over seven seasons with the Mariners. He posted a 61-47 record, 4.08 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 631 strikeouts over 852 1/3 innings. Gonzales is eighth in team history in wins and tied for eighth in games started. He was also the club’s opening day starter from 2019-21.

Gonzales’ time in Seattle came to an end following an injury-shortened 2023 season. He was dealt to the Atlanta Braves in a five-player deal that also sent outfielder Jarred Kelenic and first baseman Evan White to Atlanta.

Injury concerns for Rangers

The Rangers will be down two catchers when they face the Mariners as Kyle Higashioka joined Danny Jansen on the injured list Tuesday. Higashioka (right flexor strain) had been splitting catching duties with veteran Elias Díaz, who was signed June 6 when Jansen went on the IL with a right forearm strain.

Texas also placed reliever Jose Corniell on the 15-day injured list with a right flexor strain Tuesday, which opened the door for Gonzales to join the big-league club.

In addition to those injuries, third baseman Josh Jung left Tuesday’s win over the White Sox early with left calf tightness. Jung, an All-Star in 2023, is having his best year at the plate, batting .293 with an .801 OPS, nine homers and 23 doubles in 91 games.

The Rangers are also still without five-time All-Star shortstop Corey Seager, who has been out since July 1 with back discomfort.

Seattle Mariners news and more

• Seattle Mariners Trade Deadline: Who to watch from the Reds
• M’s promote prospects, make several releases in sweeping MILB moves
• Checking in on M’s rehabs, reinforcements in Triple-A

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