The Seattle Mariners are dealing with a number of injuries in spring training, as pitchers Danny Hultzen, Ryan Cook and Evan Scribner are all ailing with the 2016 season approaching. Hultzen has been shut down after dealing with a shoulder issue, while Cook and Scribner are expected to start the season on the disabled list.
Hultzen is reportedly dealing with some shoulder soreness and will be shut down for the time being in spring training. Manager Scott Servais said that Hultzen is "going to be down for a while" and that he is in a "holding pattern" regarding when he will pitch again. Hultzen has dealt with injury issues throughout his career, but he was able to throw in batting practice on Saturday before dealing with the injury.
Hultzen was competing for a spot in the bullpen after years of injury issues kept him from being an option in the starting rotation. He has only thrown 43 2/3 innings in the minors during his career due to the injury issues, and he has not pitched at the major league level for the Mariners.
"I don't see when he'll be in a game," manager Scott Servais said. "I don't know. It's too bad. We thought we'd bring him in, see where he was at, using him exclusively as a reliever. It's all about how he bounces back. The day he got out there, he was moving along very good, but he had a setback."
The Mariners also have Cook and Scribner dealing with injuries, and the two pitchers could start the season on the disabled list. Both players are reportedly dealing with "strained latissimus dorsi muscles" in their backs, which could force them to sit out the start of the season.
"Actually, the news was better than we expected," general manager Jerry Dipoto said, "but it still looks like they're going to open the season down here (in extended spring training)."
The Mariners worked to reshape their bullpen this offseason, but when the season starts, they may need other players on the roster to step up for Cook and Scribner. Players like Tony Zych and Joel Peralta could get chances to make the roster in the bullpen to open the season. The Mariners had hoped that the 26-year-old Hultzen could be a bullpen piece this season, but his status is now uncertain.
The Mariners have had high hopes for Hultzen for a number of years since the pitcher was selected second overall in the 2011 draft. Hultzen has not been able to stay healthy on a consistent basis through his career, and he has now suffered another setback. Hultzen had surgery in 2013, forcing him to miss the entire 2014 season.
