Gregory Santos, a 25-year-old reliever for the Seattle Mariners, is generating buzz early in spring training after a challenging previous season marred by injuries. Santos only managed to pitch in eight games last season, suffering from a right latissimus dorsi strain and biceps inflammation, posting a 4.91 ERA. However, he previously showed promise with a 3.39 ERA in 2023 while playing for the Chicago White Sox, where he struck out 66 batters in 60 appearances. The Mariners are optimistic that if Santos can regain his form, he could be pivotal for a bullpen that struggled last season.

At a recent bullpen session, Mariners president Jerry Dipoto praised Santos, indicating that he’s looking good. With a potential trio of Santos, Andres Munoz, and Matt Brash, the Mariners could solidify their late-game strategy. The team is coming off a narrowly missed playoff berth and is eager to return to postseason play, having not advanced past the ALDS since 2001.

The Seattle Mariners are entering spring training with minimal injury issues, a welcome relief from last season’s setbacks. Key reliever Matt Brash is on track for an April return following Tommy John surgery, while fellow pitcher Luis Castillo and reliever Gregory Santos are cleared to participate. However, the team encountered fresh injury concerns as reliever Troy Taylor was initially sidelined with a right lat strain. Fortunately, Taylor’s condition improved rapidly, allowing him to resume throwing just three days into spring training.

Taylor's impressive performance last season solidified his role in the Mariners' bullpen, posting a 3.72 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 19.1 innings. His return reduces the competition for bullpen spots, raising anticipation for who will step up alongside him and the rest of the Mariners' relievers in what promises to be an engaging spring.

The Seattle Mariners' starting pitching rotation was remarkably healthy in 2024, with four pitchers starting 30 or more games. However, the bullpen faced significant injuries, particularly to key players Gregory Santos and Matt Brash. Santos, acquired the previous offseason, spent most of the season injured, while Brash missed the entire year recovering from Tommy John surgery. Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto provided an encouraging update on Brash’s recovery during a Zoom conference, indicating he is ahead of schedule and expects to return around late April, barring setbacks. Brash had a stellar 3.06 ERA in 2023 and is deemed one of the elite setup men in the league. His anticipated return could significantly bolster the Mariners' bullpen as they aim for a stronger performance in the upcoming season.