Mariners’ star pitcher gets devastating Tommy John surgery update

Brash was originally selected by the San Diego Padres in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB Draft, but was traded to Seattle for right-handed pitcher Taylor Williams in August 2020. Initially, the Padres sent a player to be named later to the Mariners, which turned out to be Brash.

Williams made just six appearances over parts of two seasons in San Diego before being waived and has not appeared in a major-league game since 2021, so it seems safe to say that Seattle won that trade.

Needless to say, right now, the Mariners are probably not too concerned about that victory. They are surely more worried about the long-term health of Brash.

Brash made his big-league debut in 2022, and at the outset, he was a starter. However, he struggled mightily in that role, giving up 17 earned runs in five starts. Seattle then moved him to the bullpen, where he immediately flourished.

Overall, Brash appeared in 39 games during his rookie campaign, going 4-4 with a 4.44 ERA. Across 50.2 innings of work, he allowed 46 hits while walking an alarming 33 batters, but he made up for it with 62 strikeouts. He also kept the ball in the ballpark, permitting just three home runs.

Then, last season, the 25-year-old broke out, going 9-4 with a 3.06 ERA in 78 appearances, which was the most in baseball (perhaps that led to the elbow injury). He threw 70.2 frames, giving up 65 hits and 29 walks while fanning 107 hitters. That was good for a spectacular 13.6 K/9, although his K/BB ratio was a much more modest 3.69 due to his iffy control on the mound. Once again, Brash did a great job keeping the ball from leaving the yard, surrendering just three long balls. Additionally, he pitched to the tune of an impressive 2.26 FIP.

Obviously, Brash has electric stuff, but definitely needs to harness his control on the mound. The walks have definitely been an issue for him, as evidenced by his lifetime 1.426 WHIP. Of course, the Canadian native can get all of that in order once he gets healthy, which is his top priority.

The Mariners broke their 20-year-long playoff drought in 2022 and are aiming to make the postseason for the second time in three years. Unfortunately, they’ll have to do it without Brash.