Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles was placed on the 10-day injured list prior the series finale against the Texas Rangers. Subsequently, first baseman and outfielder Connor Joe was called up to the 26-man roster. In order to clear a 40-man roster spot for Joe, Carlos Vargas was placed on the 60-day injured list.
Robles strained his pectoral during pregame warm up drills, working on long throws from the outfield to the infield. He has had a slow start to 2026, playing a weakside platoon role with Luke Raley to begin the year. Robles is batting .231/.231/.308 so far this season.
The Mariners acquired Robles off waivers from the Washington Nationals in 2024. He revived his career in Seattle, hitting .328/.393/.467 and providing a plus glove in the outfield. Injuries plagued his 2025 season, where he never really got going only hitting .245/.281/.330.
The Mariners have a $9 million team option for Robles going into 2027, making this season a pivotal one for his Mariners career. He signed a two year extension with a third year option after his breakout year with the Mariners in 2024.
Connor Joe Gives Mariners an Offensive Boost
GettyThe Seattle Mariners called up Connor Joe from AAA.
The Seattle Mariners called up Joe from AAA as a replacement for Robles on the 26 man roster. However, Joe’s impact on the Mariners could be greater than that of a simple roster fill in.
Joe had a very productive spring training with the Seattle Mariners, batting .340/.411/.560 with a home run in 56 plate appearances of Cactus League play. He signed a minor league deal with the Mariners in February.
Joe has been around the MLB since 2019 with multiple organizations including the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates. Over his career, he has batted .239/.333/.384 with 35 home runs. 2025 was a struggle for Joe as he batted .186/.263/.279. However, maybe the Mariners unlocked something with Joe in the spring.
The Mariners desperately need offensive help of any kind right now. In terms of total offense, Fangraphs ranks their 2026 production 23rd in all of the majors. They will take anything they can get, even if it is a flier on Joe as an injury replacement.
Carlos Vargas Injury News Continues to Get Worse
GettyCarlos Vargas was moved to the 60-day IL to make room for Connor Joe on the 26-man roster.
After the first game of the season, the Seattle Mariners placed Vargas on the 15-day injured list with a right lat strain. It was a strange development as he ran out with the team during the team introductions. The Mariners called up Cole Wilcox to the 26-man roster as a result.
The Mariners acquired Vargas when they sent Eugenio Suarez to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023. Vargas did not debut with the Mariners until 2025, where he pitched 77 innings with a 3.97 ERA out of the bullpen.
Wilcox has been productive so far in three appearances and he has not allowed a run. The Mariners pitching continues to be the strength of the ball club as their bullpen currently ranks fourth in the majors in ERA.
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