Seattle Mariners' Andrés Muñoz Provides Update on Injury Status

Seattle Mariners star reliever Andrés Muñoz was placed on the injured list on Sunday with a right deltoid strain. On Monday, he told Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times that it was a precautionary move and he hopes to start playing catch as early as Tuesday. The Mariners used Matt Brash in his high-leverage role on Sunday and subsequently lost to the Cleveland Guardians, showing how big a loss Muñoz is.

Seattle Mariners relief ace Andrés Muñoz provided an update on his health on Monday, telling Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times that he hopes to start throwing as early as Tuesday.

Muñoz was placed on the injured list on Sunday with a right deltoid strain, called the decision to go on the IL precautionary, and hopes to bounce back soon.

Andrés Munoz said he hopes to start playing catch again in a few days, maybe even tomorrow. He said the IL stint was a precaution, not wanting make the situation worse.

— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) April 10, 2023

The M's felt the impact of his absence immediately, as they ended up blowing multiple saves on Sunday in a 7-6 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. The team went to youngster Matt Brash in the high-leverage spots usually occupied by Muñoz, and he gave up two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, which sent the game to extra-innings.

The Mariners would lose in 12 innings on Sunday to fall to 4-6.

While Brash will continue to see high-leverage situations, the team will likely turn to Paul Sewald in the most high-leverage situations moving forward. He was unavailable Sunday because of overuse.

The team could also use Diego Castillo in a more prominent role.

Muñoz burst onto the scene last year, pitching in 64 games and registering a 2.49 ERA. He struck out 96 batters in just 65 innings. 

The Mariners open up a series with the Chicago Cubs on Monday night at Wrigley Field. First pitch is 7:40 p.m. ET and the game features Mariners ace Luis Castillo going up against former Mariner left-hander, Drew Smyly. 

The Cubs enter that game at 4-4 on the season, having played two less games than the Mariners. The M's are tied for third in the AL West while the Cubs are tied for third in the NL Central.

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