surprisingly huge boost for the Seattle Mariners  ahead of the trade deadline…

The Seattle Mariners have received unexpectedly positive news regarding their standout reliever, Matt Brash, despite the likelihood of him starting the season on the injured list.

Earlier this week, concerns arose that Matt Brash, the Mariners’ formidable relief pitcher, could potentially miss the entire season due to injury. However, the team’s latest update on his injured arm came as a pleasant surprise.

According to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times, the Mariners have revealed that Matt Brash has been diagnosed with medial elbow inflammation and has been cleared to begin playing catch on Tuesday. Dr. Keith Meister, whom Brash consulted, decided against surgical intervention.

Although Brash is unlikely to be ready for opening day and will need a gradual return to full strength, the Mariners are taking a cautious approach. The MRI results align with previous scans of his elbow.

While it’s understandable that the Mariners are exercising caution with Brash, given his significance to the bullpen, the news of his expected absence not being prolonged is remarkable.

At 25 years old, Brash is regarded as one of baseball’s most formidable pitchers, armed with a blazing fastball and a devastating slider. Last season, he posted a 9-4 record with a 3.06 ERA, leading the league in appearances with 78. After making his MLB debut in 2022 and initially starting five games before transitioning to a dominant reliever in Triple-A, Brash has become a key asset for the Mariners.

Together with Andres Munoz and Gregory Santos, Brash is anticipated to form a formidable trio at the back end of the Mariners’ bullpen. While Santos has been dealing with lat soreness during camp, signs indicate that he is progressing positively.

In the 2023 season, the Mariners narrowly missed out on the playoffs, finishing with an 88-74 record. If they aim to bounce back in 2024, the strength of their bullpen will undoubtedly play a pivotal role.