The Seattle Mariners got positive news on starting pitcher Bryce Miller and right fielder Victor Robles as they work to return from injuries.
In an April 13 press conference, manager Dan Wilson told reporters that Miller had thrown a bullpen on Sunday that went “very, very well,” according to My Northwest Seattle Sports.
Miller has been dealing with injuries for the past two seasons. Last year, he was limited to 18 starts, and his numbers took a hit from his 2024 season. In 2024, Miller put together a 12-8 record, 2.94 ERA, and 3.5 bWAR in 180.1 innings across 31 starts. In 2025, he went 4-6 with a 5.68 ERA in 90.1 innings.
Because of how 2025 ended for Miller, and because Emerson Hancock has performed well in his place, it’s likely Miller will not return to the Mariners until he first rehabs in Triple-A Tacoma.
Bryce Miller’s Return Could Complicate Things for Emerson Hancock
Miller’s return could complicate things for Emerson Hancock’s roster spot, who has emerged as a reliable starter early in the season.
The former first-round pick has a 2.04 ERA and 2.41 FIP in his first three starts of 2026, and he’s struck out 19 batters in 17.2 innings. His K/BB ratio has improved drastically. In his first three seasons, Hancock held a 2.06 K/BB rate. In 2026, it’s risen to 6.33.
Notably, Hancock has had successful stretches before. In 2025, he put together a solid 10-game stretch between April 23 and June 15.
In those ten starts, Hancock pitched to a 3.65 ERA and a 3-1 record. However, his 4.69 FIP indicated luck and good defense likely played a factor in Hancock’s success, and his 41 strikeouts to 20 walks did not impress the Mariners enough to keep him in the rotation. He followed those ten starts with three losses in a row between June 21st and July 1st, during which he allowed 16 earned runs in 15 innings.
Hancock returned to the team in September as a member of the bullpen and allowed 2 earned runs in 6 appearances. It’s possible the Mariners prefer him in the bullpen long-term, but if Hancock has transformed into a high-strikeout pitcher, he might stick around in the rotation. So far, the Mariners have not made it clear what the plan for Hancock would be when Miller returns.
Update on Victor Robles Offers Less Clarity
In his press conference, Dan Wilson also offered an update on outfielder Victor Robles, who had been platooning with Luke Raley in right field to start the season, starting against left-handed pitchers.
“I think because it’s his throwing arm, it’s something you have to be careful with,” Wilson said. “I don’t know how definite the timeline is at this point.”
Injuries have plagued Robles throughout his career. In 2021, he was limited to 107 games with the Nationals due to a right ankle sprain. In 2023, back spasms held him to 36 games. Last season, a left shoulder dislocation kept him out from early April until August, and he played in just 32 games in Seattle.
The 28-year-old was hitting .231 in five games before landing on the IL. Veteran utility outfielder and first baseman Connor Joe was called up to replace Robles, but he has yet to play in right field. Since Robles’ injury, Raley has started all but one game in right field for the Mariners, with Rob Refsnyder filling in once. Utility-man Brendan Donovan and DH Dominic Canzone are also options to play right field.
With plenty of potential right fielders on the team, there is no need for the Mariners to rush Robles’ recovery until he is feeling 100% ready to go.
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