Seattle Mariners Reliever Matt Brash Continuing to Progress in Tommy John Recovery
PEORIA, Ariz. — The Seattle Mariners will soon have one of their best relievers back in the fold.
Matt Brash, who led the Mariners with 78 appearances in 2023, missed all of 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He was originally expected to return around the All-Star break. But recent updates have him significantly ahead of schedule. In an offseason news conference held via Zoom, President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto said he could return by late April or early May.
Brash threw a live bullpen for the first time since his surgery on Wednesday and looked solid. But it was a very controlled environment.
Brash wasn't allowed to go all out on his fastball and hitters weren't allowed to swing against him. He still had full spin rates with his secondary offerings.
Brash going against Ryan Blisd in live BP.#Mariners #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/O9MplhzVbI
— Teren Kowatsch (@Teren_Kowatsch) March 12, 2025
Brash is scheduled to throw his second live bullpen of the spring on at 11 a.m. PT on Sunday. And based on comments from Seattle manager Dan Wilson, Brash and the hitters won't be as limited.
"Matt continues to make the steps he needs to make," Wilson said Sunday. "This is part of the progression. Hitters in the box, ready to swing. I think a couple of righties, maybe a lefty in there, as well. This is just the next stop on his progression. Matt has taken everything the way it should be. Obviously the physical part of the recovery is happening and this kind of starts the mental part of the recovery, too. Trying to get hitters out, trying to get hitters in the box and seeing what that's like again. It's all part of the progression and on all accounts, I think Matt's been hitting the points very, very well."
Brash had a 3.06 ERA in 2023 and struck out 107 batters in 70.2 innings pitched in his 78 outings. If Brash returns when Dipoto suggested, he'll provide a big boost to the Mariners bullpen.
Opening Day is March 27 as the M's open the year with the Athletics at home.
Related Stories on Seattle Mariners
MARINERS LEGEND ICHIRO SUZUKI SENDS INCREDIBLE GIFT TO PROSPECT RIKUU NISHIDA: The Chicago White Sox prospect got a gift from his idol after the two met during a Cactus League game earlier in spring training. CLICK HERE
TAKEAWAYS FROM SEATTLE MARINERS 8-3 CACTUS LEAGUE LOSS TO SAN DIEGO PADRES: Randy Arozarena homered and Luis Castillo pitched into the fifth in the Mariners loss to their complex partners. CLICK HERE
LOGAN GILBERT REACTS TO BEING NAMED OPENING DAY STARTER: The Mariners ace shared his thoughts about opening the regular season against the Athletics. CLICK HERE
Follow Seattle Mariners on SI on social media
Continue to follow our Inside the Mariners coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following Teren Kowatsch and Brady Farkas on "X" @Teren_Kowatsch and @wdevradiobrady. You can subscribe to the "Refuse to Lose" podcast by clicking HERE.
