Mariners Make Key Roster Moves: Veteran Pitcher Returns, Robles Shifted to 60-Day IL
The Seattle Mariners continued their ongoing roster shuffle on Wednesday, making a pair of significant moves that impacted both their bullpen and outfield depth.
Right-handed pitcher Casey Lawrence is once again headed back to the big leagues, as Seattle selected his contract from Triple-A Tacoma. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club transferred outfielder Victor Robles from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL. Additionally, rookie right-hander Sauryn Lao, who made his MLB debut just a day earlier, was optioned back to the Rainiers.
Lawrence, 37, is no stranger to the Mariners’ bullpen carousel. This marks his third stint with the big league club this season after being designated for assignment twice. Though his appearances have been limited, he has performed respectably, allowing three runs (two earned) over five innings across three outings. With a career ERA of 6.63 in 129 major league innings, Lawrence brings experience and depth to a bullpen in flux.
Lao, 25, gave fans a glimpse of his potential during his Tuesday debut against Boston, where he struck out three batters and surrendered only one unearned run over 1 1/3 innings. In Triple-A Tacoma, Lao has been sharp, posting a 2.00 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP across three starts. Though his time in Seattle was brief, it’s likely the organization sees more opportunities for him in the near future.
The more sobering news comes with Robles, who now faces an extended absence after being shifted to the 60-day injured list. The speedy outfielder suffered a dislocated shoulder and fractured humeral head during a sensational diving catch on April 7. With a projected recovery time of at least 12 weeks, Robles won’t be eligible to return until early July, dealing a blow to Seattle’s outfield rotation.
The Mariners, currently in the middle of a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox, will continue to rely on a mix of veterans and emerging talent as they navigate the early stretch of the 2025 season. Wednesday’s series finale features Emerson Hancock (0-1, 12.71 ERA) taking the mound for Seattle against Boston’s Sean Newcomb (0-2, 3.63 ERA), with first pitch scheduled for 3:45 p.m. PT. Pregame coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. on Seattle Sports Radio.