Seattle Mariners reliever Matt Brash undergoes Tommy John surgery, aims for 2025 return

On Wednesday, Seattle Mariners reliever Matt Brash underwent Tommy John surgery, along with a brace procedure, according to Mariners general manager Justin Hollander. The team is hopeful that Brash will make a return to the big-league roster by June 2025 after a 12-14 month recovery period.

Elbow Soreness and Concerns

Brash, who is 26 years old, experienced elbow soreness following spring bullpen sessions, leading to the decision for surgery. Hollander expressed concern about Brash's arm not recovering well after throwing sessions, quoting Brash's statement, "Every throw felt bad." The team consulted with a physician, resulting in the decision for surgery.

Brash's Performance and Absence Impact

Brash has been a valuable reliever for the Mariners in the last two seasons, showcasing a 3.63 ERA (108 ERA+) and a 2.73 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 117 career outings. His absence will challenge the Mariners' bullpen, with closer Andrés Muñoz leading a setup combination involving Ryne Stanek and Gabe Speier.

Mariners' Bullpen and Standings

Despite Brash's absence, the Mariners' bullpen has been performing well, ranking third in ERA among relief units, trailing only the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians. With a 20-18 record, the Mariners currently hold the second place in the American League West, trailing the Texas Rangers by 1.5 games.