Mariners utility player Dylan Moore was diagnosed with a Grade One strain in his oblique, he informed reporters this afternoon (relayed by Daniel Kramer of MLB.com). While that’s the lowest degree, any oblique strain typically comes with a recovery time of multiple weeks.
Moore indeed indicated he’ll be shut down from baseball activity for between two and four weeks. While the earlier end of that timeline could have him beginning to ramp back up around Opening Day, he certainly won’t jump right into game action as soon as he’s cleared to start working out. It seems a lock he’ll open the season on the injured list and, considering he didn’t play in a single Spring Training game, likely head out on a minor league rehab assignment to get some game action before his 2023 debut at the MLB level.
This will be Moore’s fifth big league campaign. He has posted alternate below-average and above-average showings at the plate, typically in a part-time capacity. He’s coming off a strong 2022 campaign. Moore hit only .224 but worked walks at a 13.3% rate, resulting in a .368 on-base percentage that was well better than the .312 league average. He also swiped 21 bases in 104 contests, his second consecutive season topping 20 steals.
The Mariners signed Moore to a three-year, $8.875MM deal over the offseason to buy out his final two arbitration seasons and a would-be free agent year. He’d been set to reprise his role as one of Scott Servais’ top options off the bench. Moore has played everywhere aside from catcher in his career, with the majority of his work coming in the middle infield and corner outfield spots.
Seattle has Kolten Wong and J.P. Crawford lined up for middle infield work. The lefty-hitting Wong and right-handed Moore were expected to platoon at second base and while that could eventually still be the case, that’ll be put on hold for the time being. Tommy La Stella offers some insurance at second base but, like Wong, hits from the left side.
Sam Haggerty is a switch-hitter who has been far better against left-handed pitching, though he’s worked far more in the outfield than at second base as a big leaguer. Drew Ellis and Mason McCoy are right-handed hitting infielders in camp as non-roster players. Ellis has struck out in 10 of 17 at-bats this spring, while McCoy is 9-25 with four strikeouts and a walk.
Oh oh. Better trade off that Julio Rodriguez guy and pick up an extra infielder from the Tigers, Schoop, Hernandez, Ibanez, Baez, Kreidler, Maton… He’ll just take them all
Maybe this brings the Mariners into the IKF market? Flexen for IKF and a prospect?
I rather have the M’s trade Marco.
I wouldn’t panic just yet. Waiting for Moore is a much better option than IKF.
I thought Marcos was the best fit to trade as well, given how good Flex can be as a bullpen Jack of all trades/ready to be plugged back into the rotation in case of injury. But, I gotta says Marcos looks pissed this spring….like more than usual. He is a bulldog out there and nobody wants to prove his worth on a “good team” more than him.
So which prospects are we talking about? Would need to offer a lot more than just IKF.
while a fifth/swing starter (to a top level competitive ballclub) has some value, it is going to be pretty close to a low power/questionable stick who can play well up the middle defensively. only major difference in value points is years of control
He’s the Rashard Penny of the Mariner’s.
My man won me 2 fantasy leagues the last 4 weeks of ‘21. Much respect to Rashad Dolla
Get well soon DMo! Mason McCoy has had a nice Spring
Well it’s been more than 5 mins since the last player had an oblique strain so someone was due.
Damn World Baseball Classic. When will we ever learn?
WOW
I’m sure the Mariners will do just fine without him. Matter of fact I pick Seattle to win the west this year. Golly there fans deserve it.
IKF? Oh hell no way, IFK is not even worth paying his $6m salary let alone sending them a prospect…let alone Flexen. I haven’t like one trade we have ever done with the Yanks! Stay clear of the Yankees crap players.
Seattle has several decent options. Hummel is having a GREAT Spring and plays catcher, OF, AND 2B. And Hummel is a switch hitter with power from both sides. McCoy is killing it in Spring too. I’m thinking Hummel since he can Catch too, and gives Seattle a 3rd Catcher on the 26-man roster, and will allow Seattle to use both Raleigh and Murphy at C/DH when they need to.
The Jay Buhner trade worked out ok.
Ken Phelps! Ken Phelps!
Hummell has just a handful of games in pro baseball playing the infield corners. No second base. He’s an outfielder that might catch in a pinch. McCoy isn’t facing great pitching and he’s a NRI.
They need external help for the infield. Hummell might have a shot at the opening day roster if La Stella can’t go.
It’s easy to see the Yankees or Mets as a trade partner, but Seattle might be more interested in acquiring a player with options.
They could really use an infielder they can stash in the minors. Hopefully someone who can play SS if needed. 100% agree.
I’ve wondered about Terrin Vavra being available. Baltimore doesn’t need back-end starters, but a controllable reliever and/or semi-interesting prospect…
Just a thought.
He would definitley makes sense and yes I think Flexen doesn’t do it for them but maybe included as part of a 3 team trade? Jerry is definitely creative that way. I suspect he does something similar at some point.
I don’t think we can rule anything out.
If Moore isn’t going to miss too much time and La Stella is able to field, perhaps they will stick with in-house options like McCoy.
But they really are thin on depth and I still find it hard to believe they would carry both Flexen and Gonzales.
For the record, I’d love to see Hummel make the team if La Stella isn’t 100%. But that obviously wouldn’t solve the infield issue.
Is “oblique” code for something?
WHOA WOW WOWEE
McCoy has been playing good with both bat, and glove. Both Moore, La Stella temporarily out. Ordinarily Hummel would figure to get the my nod. Baring a trade they may give McCoy a look see, a more informed decision would come somewhere later on, spring training or otherwise, but he may need to be more persuasive in turning opinion in his favor.
Dylan Less
It’s a real dyl-pickle for the Mariners
Hummel, and La Stella are depth pieces they may even be worthy of making the team. though how likely are they going to unseat Moore, and Haggerty? Since the need is a temporary backup it may be unlikely a trade is made, if possible it would be one with option for sure. So who’s on deck? I’d be surprised if wasn’t McCoy, though yesterday he had two strikeouts added to his performances. Small potato’s so you say.