Mariners’ Rob Refsnyder returns from IL; utility player DFA’d
Outfielder/designated hitter Rob Refsnyder is back with the Mariners after a seven-game rehab stint in the minors.
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Outfielder/designated hitter Rob Refsnyder is returning to the Seattle Mariners after a seven-game rehab stint in the minor leagues.
The Mariners reinstated the 35-year-old Refnsyder from the 10-day injured list ahead of Tuesday’s series opener in Los Angeles against the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers. Refsnyder went on the IL with right knee inflammation.
To make room on the 26-man active roster, the Mariners designated utility player Buddy Kennedy for assignment.
Refsnyder is in the lineup as the DH and hitting seventh Tuesday night.
Kicking off our series against the Dodgers tonight. #TridentsUp
đź“ş FREE on https://t.co/o2PoeYzBMc
đź“» @SeattleSports pic.twitter.com/R0X8KFysU5— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) July 28, 2026
Refnsyder, an offseason signing in free agency by the Mariners, was added him to be a right-handed platoon bat against left-handed pitchers. He was one of the best hitters in MLB against lefties in 2025 while with the Boston Red Sox, averaging .302 with a .399 on-base and .560 slugging, with seven of his nine homers and nine of his 12 doubles coming against lefties.
That version of Refsnyder has not materialized thus far in his first season with Seattle, though. He is slashing just .133/.203/.219 for a .422 OPS with three homers and no other hits for extra bases in 49 games. He has a minus-1.0 bWAR, well on pace to be the worst of his 11-year MLB career.
Refsnyder mentioned mentioned in late May that his right knee had been “bothering him all year,” and Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said when Refsnyder went on the IL that both knees had been an issue for him in 2026.
On his rehab assignment this month with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, Refsnyder hit 6 for 29 (.207) with a home run, three walks and three RBIs.
Refsnyder launches one to left field for the lead! pic.twitter.com/DOAQIcKCLg
— Tacoma Rainiers (@RainiersLand) July 26, 2026
Refsnyder appears in line for two straight starts for the Mariners upon his return, with the Dodgers set to start a pair of left-handed pitchers on Tuesday and Wednesday: Justin Wrobleski, a 2026 All-Star, and Eric Lauer.
The 27-year-old Kennedy was acquired by Seattle for cash considerations on June 29 from the San Francisco Giants. He went 1 for 10 with a double and a walk in five appearances for the Mariners. A fifth-year MLB veteran, Kennedy has played 79 career games for seven teams.
The Mariners open their series at Dodger Stadium at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, with Mariners Radio Network coverage on Seattle Sports to start at 6 p.m. with the pregame show.
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Comments
2 Comments
Buddy Kennedy is a 4A player. But Refsnyder, really? Dipoto squeezing blood from a turnip. Brent, you're an editor, right? Can't you criticize the team and Dipoto?
Another stellar coaching decision by Wilson. Lets sit Robles who is 6 for 9 in last three games he has appeared in and put in a struggling Refsnyder. But we have the defense expert canzone in right, perfect.