Mariners place utility player Dylan Moore on 7-day concussion list
The Mariners will end this shortened regular season without one of their most productive players.
Dylan Moore, who has had a breakout season at the plate and on the base paths, while continuing to offer defensive versatility, was placed on the seven-day concussion list Tuesday, meaning his season is over unless Seattle finds its way to the playoffs in the final week.
“He will not be back out there for us, which is a big blow,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said on a pregame video call Tuesday. “He’s been great all year. Really swung the bat well, and certainly what he can do defensively all over the field, we’re going to miss him here in the last week, that’s for sure.”
The 28-year-old second-year utility player was hit in the helmet by a pitch in the eighth inning Monday night on a 92 mph fastball from Astros reliever Brandon Bielak.
Moore stayed in the game, but was eventually placed in concussion protocol following further evaluation.
It was the second time in less than a week Moore has been hit in the head with a pitch. During the seventh inning of Seattle’s series opener in San Francisco on Sept. 16, a 99 mph fastball from Giants reliever Sam Coonrod hit Moore, knocking his helmet off. He remained in that game, too, and started in each of the Mariners’ five following games.
With Moore out the final week, the Mariners lose one of their most productive bats at the top of their lineup. Moore was slashing at .255/.358/.496 with nine doubles, eight home runs, 17 RBI and 12 stolen bases — which ranked tied for third in the majors entering Tuesday.
Moore has been an offensive leader for Seattle throughout the season in most categories. Despite missing 10 games with a wrist injury in late August and early September, Moore ranks in the top five among Mariners hitters in runs scored, hits, doubles, homers, stolen bases, walks, batting average and on-base percentage. His slugging percentage and OPS (.855) were both leading players on the Mariners’ active roster as of Tuesday.
While Moore entered the season fighting for a utility role, his performance in the batter’s box, on the bases and on defense not only made him an everyday player this season, but have him solidified in Seattle’s long-term plans.
“You knew he was going to play a lot because there’s so much defensive flexibility, and he earned it,” Servais said. “You hit, you play, and he kept hitting and creating opportunities for himself because of his performance.
“There’s nothing better than when guys earn it. And he certainly did. He earned the right to play every day. It just gives you so much confidence. He’s going to be a big part of what we’re doing here going forward.”
Moore appeared most often in left field (13 games), right field (13) and second base (10) this season, and has worked his way into the conversation to at least compete for the job as Seattle’s starting second baseman next spring.
“He is going to play,” Servais said. “I think that’s that’s the biggest thing. ... I’d like to see him maybe get settled in at second base, but we’ll see. The offseason always brings change in how your team is going to look and how your roster is built out, but he’s in a great spot.
“He made such a huge improvements offensively. The power, the ability to use all fields to hit, handling the different pitches in the strike zone better than he ever has, and it’s a credit to him and the work he put in. He had an awesome year for us.”
During this final week, the Mariners will primarily give reps at second base to Ty France, Servais said, who is the starter there Tuesday night and has moved into Moore’s regular spot in the batting order at No. 2.
The Mariners also recalled Jake Fraley from their alternate site in Tacoma to help bolster a light outfield.
This story was originally published September 22, 2020 at 4:22 PM.
