Mariners place Carl Edwards Jr. on IL, claim Brady Lail from White Sox, among other moves
The Mariners made a flurry of roster moves ahead of Monday night’s series opener in Arlington, including placing one pitcher on the injured list, claiming another off waivers and naming their traveling taxi squad, among other moves.
Carl Edwards Jr. was the latest Seattle reliever to be placed on the 10-day injured list with a strain in his right forearm.
“He’s got a flexor mass strain on his right forearm, so it’s probably just going to be a couple weeks down,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said on his daily pregame video call with reporters Monday. “Again, a couple weeks in a year like this is a big deal. There’s no question about it.
“But, I think once that calms down, Hopefully by mid-to-end of the week he can start playing some catch and start building up again. We’ve just got to get it calmed down right now.”
Edwards had been pitching well in five appearances with the Mariners in the first two weeks of the season, allowing one run on two hits with six strikeouts, and earned his first save since his 2016 World Series season with the Cubs in his most recent outing.
“C.J. had been throwing the ball well, and he felt great before it kind of jumped up and bit him,” Servais said. “Hopefully be won’t be out too long, and we get him back as soon as possible.”
Edwards joins four other Mariners relievers — Austin Adams (45-day, knee surgery), Gerson Bautista (45-day, elbow sprain), Brandon Brennan (45-day, oblique strain) and Yoshihisa Hirano — already on the IL. Kendall Graveman (10-day, neck spasm) is also likely to miss significant time.
With Edwards out, Seattle recalled veteran reliever Bryan Shaw from its alternate training site in Tacoma. Shaw, who is in his 10th season in the majors, consented to being optioned last week after posting a 27.00 ERA in four appearances with Seattle.
To supplement the pitching staff, the Mariners also claimed right-hander Brady Lail from the White Sox.
The 27-year-old has pitched in two games at the big league level — once this season with Chicago, and one last season with the Yankees — after spending parts of eight seasons in New York’s minor league system posting a 51–33 record with a 3.97 ERA in 187 games. He has made 112 starts in the minors, but has primarily been used as a reliever since the 2018 season.
It is unclear whether Lail will join the Mariners during this nine-day, eight-game road trip to play the Rangers, Astros and Dodgers. He would have to clear COVID-19 intake testing before joining the team.
To make room for Lail on the 40-man roster, the Mariners designated infielder Patrick Wisdom for assignment. Wisdom was one of Seattle’s utility options, and had been training at the alternate site in Tacoma, but never played in a regular season game with the Mariners after being acquired during the offseason. He hit just 4-for-22 (.182) with a home run, three RBI, four walks and nine strikeouts during summer camp at T-Mobile Park.
Seattle’s 40-man roster remains full after the moves.
The Mariners also named their four-man traveling taxi squad for the road trip. Right-handers Ljay Newsome and Art Warren will be available to pitch if needed, while catcher Joe Odom and utility player Donovan Walton are also traveling.
Odom made his major league debut during the last road trip and will likely continue to be Seattle’s taxi squad catcher to back up Austin Nola and Joe Hudson with Tom Murphy (foot) on the IL.
Newsome would made his big league debut in his first appearance should he be called upon.
Warren debuted for the Mariners during a September call-up last season after impressing in Double-A Arkansas.
Walton was another who was called up from Double-A to make his debut late last season, and continued to impress the Mariners in spring and summer camps.
“I think it’s opportunity for Donnie,” Servais said. “He was with us last year in September for a little bit. Showed very, very well in summer camp. I thought he was probably our most improved player.
“ ... He’s a really good baseball player. He understands the game. I thought he handled the outfield when we threw that at him. So, he’s here because if we do have an issue — injury or whatnot — he can step in, he can play multiple positions. He’s earned the right to come on this trip.”
