Seattle, WA – The Seattle Mariners are anticipating a possible addition to their second base depth as Ryan Bliss continues his recovery and showcased strong performance during a rehabilitation assignment wiht the Tacoma Rainiers on Thursday. Bliss, who sustained a torn left biceps on April 8th during a game against the Houston Astros, appears to be nearing a return to the major league roster.
Bliss Impresses in First Rehab Game
Table of Contents
- 1. Bliss Impresses in First Rehab Game
- 2. Roster Dynamics and Timing
- 3. Competition at Second Base
- 4. The Importance of Second Basemen in Modern Baseball
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions about Ryan Bliss and the mariners
- 6. What specific changes in Ryan Bliss’s approach have contributed to his recent offensive success during his rehab assignment?
- 7. Ryan Bliss Shines in Rehab Assignment with Seattle Mariners, Demonstrating Strong comeback Potential
- 8. Recent Performance & Key Stats
- 9. Injury Details & Rehab Process
- 10. Offensive Resurgence: Breaking Down the Numbers
- 11. Defensive Capabilities & Position Adaptability
- 12. Potential Impact on the Mariners roster
- 13. Expert Opinions & Analysis
- 14. Hamstring Injury Recovery – Practical Tips
In his first game action as the injury,Bliss promptly made an impact for the Rainiers. he drove in a run with an RBI double in his initial at-bat against left-hander Jackson Wolf, signaling a positive start to his recovery process. He later added a sacrifice fly, finishing the night 1-for-2 with two RBIs in three plate appearances before being substituted in the eighth inning.
Roster Dynamics and Timing
The timing of Bliss’s return is particularly noteworthy as MLB teams are set to expand their active rosters from 26 to 28 players at the beginning of September. However, Seattle will be navigating a temporary roster shortage due to outfielder Victor Robles’ seven-game suspension beginning Friday. Robles’ absence will be felt, but the expanded roster provides versatility.
Competition at Second Base
Currently, rookie Cole Young has been the Mariners’ primary second baseman since his call-up in late May.However, Young is currently experiencing a slump, going 1-for-25 over his last 12 games and hitting just.114 during that span. This opens the door for a potential platoon situation, with the Mariners potentially utilizing a combination of Young, a left-handed hitter, and Bliss, a right-handed hitter.
Mariners General Manager Justin Hollander indicated on August 22nd that the team intends for Bliss to accumulate between 40 and 50 plate appearances during his rehab assignment before being activated.
beyond Bliss, the Mariners are also preparing for the potential return of relief pitcher Gregory Santos, who is recovering from knee surgery and is also expected to begin a rehab assignment with Tacoma imminently.
| Player | Position | Injury | Rehab Assignment | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Bliss | Second Base | Torn Left Biceps | Tacoma Rainiers | September (following 40-50 plate appearances) |
| Gregory Santos | Relief Pitcher | Knee Surgery | Tacoma Rainiers | Imminent |
Did You Know? Rehab assignments are a crucial part of a player’s recovery process, allowing them to regain game form and confidence in a controlled surroundings before returning to the rigorous demands of the Major Leagues.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on player performance during rehab assignments. It often provides a strong indicator of their readiness to contribute at the major league level.
What impact do you think Bliss’s return will have on the Mariners’ lineup? And how will the team manage the second base situation with both Bliss and Young available?
The Importance of Second Basemen in Modern Baseball
The second base position has evolved significantly in recent years. While historically valued for defensive prowess and turning double plays, modern second basemen are increasingly expected to contribute offensively, displaying a combination of speed, on-base percentage, and power. According to a 2024 study by Baseball Prospectus, second basemen with an OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) above .750 are considered above average contributors. the ability to effectively turn the double play remains a key duty, often acting as a stabilizing force in the infield.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ryan Bliss and the mariners
- What is Ryan Bliss’s injury? Ryan Bliss suffered a torn left biceps in April.
- When is Ryan Bliss expected to return? Bliss is expected to return in September after completing a 40-50 plate appearance rehab assignment.
- Who is currently playing second base for the Mariners? Rookie Cole Young is currently the primary second baseman.
- What is a rehab assignment? A rehab assignment allows injured players to regain game form with a minor league affiliate.
- Will Victor robles’ suspension affect the Mariners’ roster? Yes, the Mariners will have one less roster spot available during Robles’ seven-game suspension.
- How do expanded rosters impact player availability? MLB teams expand their rosters from 26 to 28 players in september, creating more opportunities for players.
Share your thoughts on the Mariners’ potential playoff push and Bliss’s potential contribution in the comments below!
What specific changes in Ryan Bliss’s approach have contributed to his recent offensive success during his rehab assignment?
Ryan Bliss Shines in Rehab Assignment with Seattle Mariners, Demonstrating Strong comeback Potential
Recent Performance & Key Stats
Ryan Bliss, the Seattle Mariners’ promising second baseman, is making a compelling case for a swift return to the major league roster. His current rehab assignment with the Tacoma Rainiers is showcasing not only his recovery from a hamstring injury but also a significant resurgence in offensive production. As of August 29, 2025, bliss is batting .345 with 2 home runs and 8 RBIs in his last 10 games with Tacoma. This performance is a stark contrast to his initial struggles before the injury,fueling optimism about his long-term potential. Key performance indicators (KPIs) like batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage are all trending upwards, signaling a positive trajectory.
Injury Details & Rehab Process
Bliss suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain during a game against the Houston Astros on July 15th, 2025. the initial prognosis estimated a 4-6 week recovery period. The Mariners’ medical staff opted for a conservative rehabilitation approach, focusing on strengthening exercises and gradual re-introduction to baseball activities.
Phase 1 (Weeks 1-2): Focused on reducing inflammation and pain management. Light stretching and range-of-motion exercises were implemented.
Phase 2 (Weeks 3-4): Introduced low-intensity running and agility drills. Emphasis on rebuilding hamstring strength.
Phase 3 (Current): Full baseball activities, including batting practice, fielding, and base running. The Tacoma assignment serves as the final stage of his rehab.
The Mariners have been particularly cautious with Bliss’s return, prioritizing a full recovery to prevent re-injury. This careful approach is consistent with modern sports medicine best practices for hamstring injuries.
Offensive Resurgence: Breaking Down the Numbers
Before the injury, Bliss was hitting .230 with a .650 OPS in 45 games with the Mariners. While he displayed flashes of brilliance with his speed and defensive prowess, consistency at the plate was a concern. However, his recent performance in Tacoma suggests a potential breakthrough.
Increased Bat Speed: Reports from tacoma indicate a noticeable increase in Bliss’s bat speed, likely a result of focused training during his rehab.
Improved Plate Discipline: Bliss appears to be more selective at the plate, leading to more walks and fewer strikeouts. His walk rate has increased by 3% during his rehab assignment.
Power Development: The two home runs demonstrate a growing ability to drive the ball, suggesting improved strength and timing.
Contact Rate: A higher contact rate is evident, indicating better adjustments and a more confident approach at the plate.
These improvements are crucial for Bliss to establish himself as a reliable offensive contributor at the major league level.
Defensive Capabilities & Position Adaptability
Beyond his offensive potential, Bliss is a highly regarded defender. His athleticism and quick reflexes make him a natural fit at second base, but he also possesses the versatility to play shortstop and even outfield.
Range & Agility: Bliss covers a significant amount of ground defensively, showcasing excellent range and agility.
Arm Strength: He has a strong and accurate arm, capable of making challenging throws across the infield.
Defensive Metrics: While limited by his injury, Bliss’s defensive metrics from his time with the Mariners were consistently above average.
This defensive flexibility provides the Mariners with valuable roster options and strategic advantages.
Potential Impact on the Mariners roster
With Julio Rodriguez firmly established in center field and J.P. Crawford at shortstop,Bliss’s primary path to playing time lies at second base. Though, his versatility could allow him to fill in at multiple positions, providing a valuable boost to the Mariners’ depth.
Competition with Dylan Moore: Bliss will likely compete with Dylan Moore for playing time at second base upon his return.
Bench Role: Even if he doesn’t immediately secure a starting role, Bliss could be a valuable asset off the bench, providing speed, defense, and a potential spark offensively.
* Long-term Outlook: If Bliss continues to develop and refine his skills,he has the potential to become a cornerstone player for the Mariners for years to come.
Expert Opinions & Analysis
“bliss is looking really good down in Tacoma,” commented Mariners manager Scott Servais in a recent press conference. “He’s swinging the bat with confidence and looks fully recovered. We’re excited to see what he can bring to the team when he’s ready.”
Baseball analysts have also taken notice of Bliss’s resurgence. ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently wrote, “Ryan Bliss is quietly putting together a rehab assignment that could change the Mariners’ playoff outlook.His offensive improvements are particularly encouraging.”
these positive assessments further reinforce the belief that Bliss is on the verge of a significant breakthrough.
Hamstring Injury Recovery – Practical Tips
For athletes recovering from hamstring strains, here are some key considerations:
- Follow Medical Guidance: Adhere strictly to the rehabilitation protocol prescribed by your medical team.
- Gradual Progression: Avoid rushing the recovery process. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
- Strength Training: Focus on strengthening the hamstring muscles, and also the
