The Mariners announced that right-hander Matt Brash has been reinstated from the 15-day injured list. He underwent UCL surgery last year and will be making his first major league appearance since the 2023 season whenever he gets into a game. Right-hander Troy Taylor was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma as the corresponding move.
It’s a little bit of an early birthday present for Brash, who will turn 27 on May 12th. Prior to his recent absence, he was in the process of establishing himself as a potent bullpen weapon for the Mariners. Coming into 2022, the M’s were still using him as a starter. He made his major league debut with five starts early that year but posted a 7.65 earned run average. They optioned him down to the minors and started converting him to relief.
Since then, the results have been excellent. He was recalled in July and tossed 30 2/3 innings out of the bullpen the rest of the way. In that time, he had a 2.35 ERA, 33.9% strikeout rate and 12.6% walk rate. He added 3 1/3 scoreless innings in the postseason. In 2023, his first full season as a reliever, he logged 70 2/3 innings with a 3.06 ERA, 34.7% strikeout rate and much-improved 9.4% walk rate.
Since getting called up in July of 2022, he has a 2.84 ERA over 101 1/3 innings with a 34.5% strikeout rate and 10.3% walk rate. He became a part of the club’s high-leverage group, earning four saves and 33 holds in that time.
Unfortunately, that’s been on pause for over a year. He experienced some arm troubles early in 2024 and eventually went under the knife in May. Now that he’s back, it’ll be a nice boost for the Seattle bullpen. Jackson Kowar is still recovering from his own UCL surgery. Gregory Santos recently underwent knee surgery and was quickly transferred to the 60-day IL, meaning he won’t be coming back anytime soon.
The club’s relievers have a collective 3.69 ERA this year, which puts them just outside the top ten. However, their 18.9% strikeout rate is actually 28th in the league, ahead of just the Cardinals and Marlins. Assuming Brash gets back to his previous strikeout ways, he’ll give them a nice bump in that department. Andrés Muñoz is the Seattle closer but Brash should jump in and take one of the prime setup roles.
Photo courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images
Welcome Back!
Awesome news! I hope he is fully recovered at 100% because he can be one nasty customer. 8th inning show stopper. Munoz in the 9th and he’s been perfect so far.
Did Brash even make any minor league rehab appearances? I don’t think so.
6 that went poor
Not really worried about the stats, he shook off some rust. The important thing is whether or not his stuff is still as nasty as ever. If he has that going for him he’ll be fine, the command will come back with more reps.
He did, he’s been rehabbing for awhile. 6 appearances.
Yes. He got rocked.
Still matters zero.
Based on what? The ERA?
He has made six appearances. 5.1 innings, 5 strikeouts and 2 walks. 8.41 era. Rehab is about a lot more than just ERA
ERA early on for a reliever means more than nothing. You have a bad inning and give up a couple runs you have an 18 ERA. That is tough to fight back from. I am sure the Ms are happy with what he did or they would not have brought him back. He will be a bit rusty better to shake it off early and get sharp for the end of the season and will whisper playoffs.
All you Ms fans. Did the hiring of Dan seem like a cheap ploy to get the fans off ownerships back? I was a bit leary of the hire. Not that Dan is a bad guy or not a good BB mind but just seemed convenient. Hope they can play like this all season and then make a deep run into the playoffs. Deep enough to raise a trophy with a bunch of pennants on it.
I don’t see the hiring of Dan that way. I think it was time to make a change and stir things up. I was worried though with the lack of experience though but Dan has always been thought of a classy guy and a mariner at heart. His bringing in Edgar has made a big change also. I am surpised and happy how well playing..i agree lets get a deep run and a trophy!.
Brash has the perfect last name for late earning reliever.
The Mariners getting their best pitchers back during this hot streak is huge. Kirby just started his rehab assignment, he should be back soon as well.
Matt Brash is overconfident
Welcome back Matt
1 strike out, a hit and double play. Hit 96.5 on fastball.