Injury Recovery Path
Troy Taylor will begin the season on the injured list while he recovers from a lat strain. The reliever has been working in bullpen sessions at the Peoria Sports Complex and is set to throw a live bullpen session soon. His anticipated return in April offers promise as he gradually ramps up his workload, paving the way for his reintegration into active play.
On-Field Potential
Taylor’s arsenal features an upper-90s fastball paired with a sharp breaking ball, attributes that could make him a significant asset out of the bullpen. Making his debut last August, he posted a 3.72 ERA across 21 games, recording one save and striking out 25 batters in 19.1 innings. As a 12th-round draft pick out of UC Irvine in 2022, his development has been closely watched, and his progress hints at a high ceiling when fully healthy.
Bullpen Dynamics and Team Outlook
The reliever is poised to join a group of arms that includes Andres Munoz, Matt Brash, and Gregory Santos, each contributing unique strengths to the bullpen. With Brash expected to return from injury in April, team management will have additional options to manage high-leverage situations as the season unfolds. The Mariners are looking to solidify their bullpen performance after a challenging previous season, with hopes high that returning players will provide the depth needed to compete at an elite level.
Season Preparations
The team is finalizing its preparations as it wraps up Cactus League play before transitioning into the regular season. The schedule opens with a match against the division rival Athletics on March 27, marking the start of a seven-game home stand. This early period will be crucial in establishing momentum and setting the stage for what the Mariners expect to be a competitive campaign.