Friday, March 30, 2018

Mike Zunino placed on 10-DL

Mike Zunino has been placed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained oblique. The move is retroactive to March 27.

Fantasy Implications: Zunino felt pain in his side during batting practice on Wednesday, the first day the Mariners were back in Seattle from spring training. He was a late scratch in Thursday's season opener with the Indians, and was replaced by Mike Marjama. The Mariners did not say how long they expect Zunino to miss action.  Oblique strains are unpredictable, and it is not uncommon for one to be out for four to eight weeks. The Mariners called up David Freitas from Triple-A Tacoma to take Zunino's place. He is expected to backup Marjema while Zunino remains inactive.

Nelson Cruz homers on Opening Day

Nelson Cruz blasted a two-run homer in Seattle's Opening Day win over the Indians on Thursday. It was his lone hit in three at bats.

Fantasy Implications: Cruz was questionable for the game because of a quad injury he sustained during Cactus League play on March 13. The veteran designated hitter was noticeably laboring around the bases after taking 2017 Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber deep over the center field wall in the first inning. The runs would account for the Mariners' only scoring, but more important, were enough for the Seattle win. Cruz is projected to play exclusively DH for the Mariners in 2018, which will limit his availability when the Mariners' visit National League parks. 

Felix Hernandez records win

Felix Hernandez picked up a win in Seattle's Opening Day 2-1 victory over the Indians on Thursday. He allowed no runs over 5 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and two walks.  He also struck out four.

Fantasy Implications: Hernandez looked strong against a formidable Cleveland lineup. He was relieved after throwing 84 pitches. It was questionable whether the veteran righthander would even be available for Opening Day after he was struck on his pitching arm by a hard line drive on February 26 during Cactus League play. He threw 49 of his 83 pitches for strikes, while constantly changing speed and spotting his pitches well. The King's next start is scheduled on the road next Wednesday at AT&T Park against the Giants.

Edwin Diaz collects save

Edwin Diaz picked up the save in Seattle's 2-1 Opening Day victory over the Indians.

Fantasy Implications: A quick glance at the box score may lead one to believe that Diaz pitched a clean ninth, allowing no runs, hits or walks, while striking out the side. In actuality, it was anything but clean.  After the 24-year-old fireballer struck out Yonder Alonzo, he hit Edwin Encarnacion on the hand, and then balked pinch-runner Rajai Davis to second base. Diaz then grazed the pant leg of Tyler Naquin. With  runners on first and second, and only one out, Davis then stole third base. Diaz quickly fell behind Yan Gomes 3-0, but eventually struck him out with a nasty slider. Diaz finally earned his first save of the campaign when he struck out Tyler Naquin with a 99 mph knee-high fastball.

Saturday, March 24, 2018

J.T. Realmuto likely to start season on DL

J.T. Realmuto appears he will not be ready for Opening Day, and will likely start the season on the disabled list.

Fantasy Implications: Realmuto has not fully recovered from a lower-back contusion he suffered in a Grapefruit League game against the Yankees on March 11.  According to manager Don Mattingly, it is "highly likely" the 27-year-old backstop will land on the DL. The ailment is not believed to be too serious, but a timetable for recovery has not been given. Tomas Telis is expected to take over for Realmuto behind the plate to start the season.

Friday, March 23, 2018

David Phelps to have Tommy John surgery on Monday

David Phelps will undergo Tommy John surgery on Monday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Fantasy Implications: Phelps was diagnosed with a torn UCL on Wednesday, an injury sustained after throwing a fastball in Saturday's exhibition game against the Angels. The surgery will be performed by Dr. James Andrews in Alabama, and will cause Phelps to miss the next 12-to-18 months.  The 31-year-old righthander will become a free agent at the end of the 2018 campaign. Phelps plans to return to Seattle for his rehab following the surgery, and intends to stay close to the team. With Phelps gone for the year, the Mariners will likely rely on James Pazos, Juan Nicasio, and Nick Vincent to be the bridge to closer Edwin Diaz.