SEATTLE -- Only three weeks into the season, Rob Refsnyder might’ve delivered the Mariners’ quote of the year. First, context: Refsnyder snapped an 0-for-18 start with a leadoff homer that sparked Sunday’s 5-2 win over the Rangers. Then postgame, he was asked about the approach of swinging on a team’s very first pitch of a game. "It's a crazy tradeoff when you don't have a batting average,” Refsnyder said. Humorous as it was deciphered, that wasn’t necessarily Refsnyder’s intent. The 35-year-old journeyman is one of Seattle’s most introspective and thoughtful players. So when he was asked about tagging tough lefty MacKenzie Gore for the solo shot on a fastball up in the zone, Refsnyder was genuinely reflecting. “You try to do your homework as much as possible and hunt a certain area, and if it shows up in the area, you’ve got to trust your work and your preparation,” Refsnyder elaborated. “But it's hard when you don't have a batting average. Honestly, it's hard to trust yourself in that moment. But I felt good in my routine and my work, and you can't play this game scared or timid.” |
It wasn’t evident during his slow start, but Refsnyder is a vital character to this roster’s cast. This is his 11th season. The Mariners are his eighth organization. He remade himself as a hitter in his 30s. He’s been in playoff runs in pressure-packed Boston and New York. Basically, he brings the seen-it-all pedigree to a clubhouse that mostly lacks it, and with a big-brother-type vibe. “Obviously, he's been grinding. But he's been an incredible guy to add to this team,” said Bryan Woo, the other catalyst to Sunday’s win. “He's blended in with the locker room and the guys so easily already. He brings such a calming veteran presence. He's been around multiple teams and for a lot of years, and been on a lot of successful teams, so he's been fantastic. “So for him to kind of break through a little bit there, and I know he's been hard on himself, that means a lot. And I think everybody was stoked to see that for him, too.” Signed to a one-year, $6.25 million contract to mash lefties -- which he did on Sunday -- Refsnyder was brought in to back-fill the right-handed at-bats that the club lost from switch-hitter Jorge Polanco, who signed with the Mets last offseason. But because he’s the non-primary half of Seattle’s designated-hitter platoon, there aren’t as many at-bats to go around as there are for Dominic Canzone, the other half. “It kind of stinks when you’re not getting results, because you have a couple days to sit on it, too,” Refsnyder said. |
Refsnyder has a career .813 OPS vs. lefties, but it was even better over his most recent four seasons in Boston, where he had a .923 OPS. And with one big swing on Sunday, he jumped his 2026 clip from .000 to a .374 OPS. These are baby steps, but in the right direction. Speaking of, Refsnyder and his wife just welcomed the birth of their third child -- a boy, named Ryan. He joked to Mariners manager Dan Wilson that he’s probably going to have a “different personality” at home vs. the road. Wholesome content -- even amid struggles -- is the best content. “You’re going through a really tough start of the year, but probably one of the most beautiful moments of my life is happening at the same time,” Refsnyder said. “So just to try to keep that perspective when you’re not getting results or hits has helped. But I’m very tired. So if I’m pretty monotone or dragging a little bit, hopefully you guys will give me some grace.” |
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The disaster that took place in San Diego is quickly becoming a distant memory for Andrés Muñoz, who’s since locked down two saves -- on Saturday and Sunday vs. Texas. And he’s gone through an unorthodox method to get back on track. Specifically, Muñoz threw a few bullpen sessions after Wednesday’s brutal loss at Petco Park. That isn’t custom for relievers in between outings, because they need to be ready at a moment’s notice every single day, and as such, not burn through arm strength on inconsequential pitches. But doing so, Muñoz said, was vital -- to mentally move past what he called the worst outing of his career, and to physically harness the grip of his slider, which he felt has been eluding him. |
“Obviously that is not the recommendation from the coaches, but I like to work,” Muñoz said. To be clear, Mariners pitching coaches Pete Woodworth and Trent Blank did not discourage Muñoz from the extra reps. But from their end, this wasn’t as distressing as Wednesday’s outcome suggested. “At the beginning of the season, I think all our players are still finding their way a little bit with what they're feeling on the mound or in bullpens and catch play,” Blank said. “So just working through that.” On Saturday, Muñoz was called upon with the bases loaded and the tying run at the plate, then he got red-hot Brandon Nimmo to strike out on four pitches (including two sliders). On Sunday, he nearly completed the rare four-strikeout inning thanks to a passed ball that allowed the leadoff K to reach. But he instead settled for a game-ending groundout. One of the strikeouts was on the slider. “We’re seeing normal variance with it right now,” Blank said. “But truthfully, it's trending up, in my opinion.” |
When Brendan Donovan was placed on the 10-day IL on Monday, it looked like the prime opportunity for the Mariners to call up Colt Emerson. But manager Dan Wilson revealed that the No. 1 prospect himself has been dealing with a minor wrist issue. So instead, the club selected Will Wilson from Triple-A Tacoma. Here’s more on the whole situation, and what they’re planning at third base during Donovan’s stead. |
Randy Johnson Number Retirement -- May 2 Join the Mariners on May 2 for Randy Johnson Number Retirement Ceremony Night, presented by T-Mobile. Be there for the historic pregame celebration when Randy’s No. 51 becomes forever etched into T-Mobile Park. Buy tickets » Mariners Flex Memberships It’s not too late to come on board as a season ticket member. With a Flex Plan, you can choose your games and seats as you go while enjoying perks like guaranteed postseason access, year-round discounts, no ticket fees and more. Learn more » Mariners Value Options Score tickets for less than $12 on select dates all season long with Mariners Value Games. Plus, check out the Mariners value menu and beer lineup, available every game and featuring 36 items. Learn more » |
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