Mariners reliever Carlos Vargas to begin rehab assignment

SEATTLE – One of the Seattle Mariners’ injured relievers is making a big step towards his return to big-league action.

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Reliever Carlos Vargas is set to begin a long-awaited rehab assignment with High-A Everett on Saturday night, marking the first time the right-hander has been on the mound in a live game since spring training.

A new flamethrower has appeared 👀

Seattle Mariners right-handed pitcher Carlos Vargas is scheduled to make a rehab appearance for the High-A Everett AquaSox during tonight's game against the Vancouver Canadians! pic.twitter.com/Zptd6rHhrT

— Everett AquaSox (@EverettAquaSox) August 8, 2026

Vargas, 26, was placed on the injured list March 24 with a right lat strain. He last pitched in a Cactus League game March 23.

Last Saturday, Vargas threw a bullpen session at T-Mobile Park.

“That’s always a good sign,” manager Dan Wilson said of Vargas starting his assignment, “and obviously (we’ll) get a chance to see him tomorrow and see how it all went and see how he responds to it. But from what I saw here the other day from Vargy, he was excited to be back, and you love to see that.”

Vargas was second among M’s relievers with 77 innings pitched last season while posting a 3.97 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 54 strikeouts and 23 walks.

Wilson also addressed the status of right-hander Matt Brash, who is “not too far behind” Vargas.

Brash threw off a slope last Friday but no date has been set yet on when he will throw his first bullpen.

“But I think it’s looming soon,” Wilson said.

General Justin Hollander last Friday said the club expects Vargas to return to the majors around Aug. 15, while Brash is expected to return in the Aug. 22-28 range.

The Mariners continue a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays at 6:50 p.m. on Saturday night. Radio coverage on Seattle Sports 710 AM and the Seattle Sports app begins at 5:30 p.m.

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