Mariners’ big trade signing impresses in first appearance of rehabilitation

Sadly, the Seattle Mariners lost for the ninth time in 12 MLB games on Tuesday night, but with reliever Gregory Santos making his first rehab appearance of the season, the team received some great news.

Santos, who was acquired last offseason in a major trade with the Chicago White Sox, threw a scoreless inning while playing for Triple-A Tacoma. He had not played since spring training because of a lat problem. It was his first live game of the year.

As reported by Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto:

Mariners reliever Gregory Santos pitches a scoreless inning of relief, allowing a single. FB 97-99, cutter 87-90, threw strikes.

One unfortunate guy tried to hit a 99 mph fastball and fouled it, hitting himself in the face with it. He had to leave the game.

Popular account @MiLBMariners also posted a video of his performance:

There was hope that Santos would be able to join the team in July, and this is a good start to making that happen. He will still have to meet a few conditions, though. First, he will have to show that he can recover from this match. Then, finally, he will have to show that he can work on the following days.

If and when he arrives in Seattle, he’ll offer manager Scott Servais another arm of leverage in the back of the bullpen. He should team up with Andres Munoz to form one of the more dynamic late-game duos in baseball.

The Mariners will play again against the Orioles on Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. PT.

1) M’s sign former All-Star on Tuesday ahead of opener against Orioles

2) M’s prospect makes history at Triple-A Tacoma on Monday