2 min read • October 07, 2022
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Playing in their first postseason since 2001, the Mariners enter the Wild Card series against the Blue Jays with a key question mark in left field. Former Reds outfielder Jesse Winker was scratched from the lineup Monday with neck stiffness and an MRI this week revealed a cervical disk bulge. He is likely done for the postseason.
Backup left fielder Sam Haggerty is also out for the Wild Card round after suffering a groin strain in Monday’s loss to the Tigers. That leaves Jarred Kelenic as the likely starter in left field. Taylor Trammell was added to the Wild Card roster to replace Winker.
Rookie of the Year favorite Julio Rodriguez recently came off the 10-day IL for a lower back injury, but will likely have no limitations in the postseason. If his back issue flares up he can manage it with a heating pad, as seen below.
Rodriguez hit .284 with 28 home runs, 75 RBIs and 25 stolen bases this season.
The early-season dominance of the Yankees quickly put the Blue Jays out of contention for the AL East, but the second-generation-led team was squarely in the playoff race from Day 1 and had their core players on the field for most of the season.
The most immediate concern is No. 1 starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, who left his last start in the third inning with a cut on middle finger. There is no indication that it will impact his availability for the Wild Card series
Gausman, Alek Manoah, and Ross Stripling have led the pitching staff that lost its top southpaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu, to his second Tommy John surgery earlier this season.
George Springer has dealt with an elbow injury for much of the season that the Pro Baseball Docs believe is likely a forearm strain and not UCL damage. The 32-year-old, who is tied with Albert Pujols for fifth all-time in playoff HRs with 19, has played without issue since going on the IL.
He received an anti-inflammatory injection in early August and ended the season with 25 home runs, 76 RBI, and 89 runs on a .261 batting average and .814 OPS, second on the team to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has been on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain since Sept. 7 and recently began taking live BP.
Versatile middle infielder Santiago Espinal suffered an oblique strain on Sept. 21 and has been running the bases and taking BP with Gurriel Jr. but is a little ahead of his teammate in his recovery.
General manager John Schneider said on Wednesday that the expectation is both of them will be ready for the postseason on Friday although Gurrel Jr. will likely be limited to a pinch-hit role initially.
The mid-season outfield additions of Whit Merrifield and veteran defensive specialist Jackie Bradley Jr. has helped ease the absences.
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