Mariners First Baseman Evan White Set for Triple-A Rehab Assignment

Former Gold Glove-winning first baseman Evan White will begin a rehab assignment with the Seattle Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate this week

For the majority of his young career with the Seattle Mariners, first baseman Evan White has been mired with injuries: he ailed from a hip flexor strain in May 2021 that kept him out for the rest of the season, then suffered a sports hernia at the end of this year’s Spring Training that has kept him sidelined ever since.

In his rookie season in 2020, White impressed in the field and took home the Gold Glove award at first base, but struggled to the tune of a .176/.252/.346 slash line at the plate. With Ty France entrenched as the Mariners’ starter at first base, White will surely see extended time at Triple-A (likely beyond his 20-day rehab assignment) while he heals and hopefully improves his offensive presence.

After narrowly missing a nod as a Gold Glove finalist last season, France has once again been solid at the position this season. So, if Evan White does impress offensively during his time in Tacoma, he would likely have the opportunity to compete with Jarred Kelenic to be called up as an outfielder for Seattle; White received reps in the outfield during the spring in an effort to provide a greater opportunity for him to utilize his athleticism.

White signed a 6-year contract with the Mariners back in 2020 (when he hadn’t yet played above Double-A), with club options in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Seattle has always expressed confidence in White’s ability to succeed at the major league level, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he is given plenty of time in Tacoma to regain his confidence and iron out any kinks in his swing.