The Seattle Mariners’ latest off-day news roundup features a mix of roster activity, injury developments, major league transactions and a few unusual moments from around baseball.
Mariners Add Andy Ibáñez on Minor League Deal
The Mariners have added some infield depth by signing veteran utility player Andy Ibáñez to a minor league contract. Ibáñez became available after being released by the New York Mets on Thursday, giving Seattle an opportunity to bring in an experienced player who can provide versatility across the infield.
The move is relatively low-risk for the Mariners, as Ibáñez will have to work his way through the organization and potentially earn another opportunity in the majors. His ability to play multiple positions could make him a useful depth option if Seattle encounters injuries or needs additional offensive help later in the season.
Baseball Mourns Tommy John
One of baseball’s most recognizable names has passed away. Legendary pitcher Tommy John died at the age of 83, bringing an end to a career that stretched across more than two decades and included multiple All-Star selections.
John’s legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments on the mound. He became permanently associated with the groundbreaking elbow surgery that bears his name. After undergoing the procedure himself and successfully returning to professional baseball, John became an important symbol of what the surgery could make possible for injured pitchers.
What was once viewed as a potentially career-ending elbow injury can now often be treated with reconstructive surgery, commonly known as Tommy John surgery. Thousands of pitchers have undergone the procedure since John became its most famous early success story, making his influence on the sport enormous.
Dansby Swanson Facing Injured List Stint
The Chicago Cubs could soon be without shortstop Dansby Swanson. Swanson is reportedly expected to land on the injured list Monday while he undergoes an MRI to determine the severity of an oblique issue.
The imaging will be important in determining how much time Swanson could miss. Oblique injuries can be particularly troublesome for baseball players because the muscles are heavily involved in hitting, throwing and rotational movements. The Cubs will therefore be hoping the MRI reveals a relatively minor problem.
Dodgers’ Offense Continues to Struggle
The Los Angeles Dodgers are also dealing with an unexpected offensive slump. Since July 1, the Dodgers have posted only a 91 wRC+, placing them 21st among major league teams during that stretch.
That figure puts them alongside the Seattle Mariners, who have experienced their own offensive difficulties. For a Dodgers lineup generally expected to rank among baseball’s most dangerous, the recent production has been particularly disappointing and has even prompted manager Dave Roberts to publicly address the team’s struggles.
Nolan Arenado Leaves Game With Injury
The Arizona Diamondbacks also received concerning injury news after Nolan Arenado exited Sunday’s game because of left-trunk discomfort. The veteran infielder is expected to undergo an MRI, which should provide a clearer picture of the injury and determine whether he will need to miss additional time.
Arenado’s availability will be worth monitoring closely as the Diamondbacks navigate the second half of the season.
Mets, Yankees, Phillies and Dodgers Eye Japanese Slugger
Several major clubs are reportedly positioning themselves for Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato. According to Jon Heyman, the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams showing interest.
Sato is expected to be posted by the Hanshin Tigers during the offseason, potentially setting up another highly competitive international free-agent pursuit. With four prominent franchises already linked to him, his eventual transition to Major League Baseball could become one of the offseason’s most closely watched stories.
Carlos Santana Set to Become a Free Agent
Veteran first baseman Carlos Santana is also on the move. The Atlanta Braves are expected to release Santana from his minor league contract, allowing the 40-year-old to become a free agent.
Santana had been playing for Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate, Gwinnett, where he produced a .292/.385/.382 slash line across 104 plate appearances. Although he is well into the latter stages of his career, his experience, plate discipline and long history of major league production could still make him an intriguing depth option for another club.
Athletics Lose Tyler Soderstrom to Injury
The Athletics have placed catcher/first baseman Tyler Soderstrom on the 10-day injured list because of a hip impingement. The injury represents another interruption for a young player the organization views as an important part of its future.
The Athletics will hope that Soderstrom can recover quickly and return without the issue becoming a prolonged concern.
Gene Simmons Takes Over First-Pitch Duties
There was also an entertaining moment in Anaheim, where KISS legend Gene Simmons took part in the Angels’ ceremonial first pitch. Apparently, one first pitch was not enough.
Simmons reportedly threw the first pitch, then followed it with a second, a third and even a fourth. The unusual sequence turned an otherwise routine pregame ceremony into one of the more memorable baseball moments of the day.
A Video Game Quest Finally Completed
The off-day roundup also featured a remarkable gaming achievement. One player finally completed a long-running quest to achieve perfection in MVP Baseball 2005 after more than 1,300 attempts.
The accomplishment may not have anything to do with the current MLB season, but it captures the kind of dedication that sports and video games can inspire. After countless attempts, setbacks and retries, reaching the desired result became a personal championship of its own.
Overall, the Mariners’ off-day news cycle was relatively quiet on the major-league transaction front, but the wider baseball world provided plenty to discuss—from Seattle’s minor league addition and significant injury updates to the passing of Tommy John, whose name and legacy remain permanently connected to one of baseball’s most transformative medical procedures.
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