Mariners longstanding pain at second base just keeps getting worse

Seattle Mariners general manager Justin Hollander held a meeting with the media on Monday prior to the home series opener versus the St. Louis Cardinals, to provide the latest injury updates. The biggest news related to Ryan Bliss, with Hollander confirming that his season is over.

Bliss had not played for the Mariners since April 8, when he tore his left biceps while swinging in a game against the Houston Astros. After undergoing surgery, the hope was that he could return for the M's sometime this year, but this was put to bed after a torn meniscus in his right knee which he suffered last Friday during his rehab assignment in Triple-A Tacoma.

One step forward, two steps back for Ryan Bliss

This is a devastating end to a season which seemingly offered so much for the 25-year-old. While his overall stats in 11 games with the Mariners didn't jump off the page, he was on a six-game hitting streak with a .833 OPS prior to his torn biceps injury back in April.

Similarly, Bliss was on a tear during his rehab assignment with the Rainiers before his latest setback, hitting .385 and producing seven RBI and four walks as part of a 1.115 OPS in six games. He underwent surgery on Monday, and will now begin to work his way back from another injury. He should be ready for spring training next year.

The Mariners are understandably saddened by this latest development for a promising young player who was the Opening Day starter at second base. As per Josh Kirshenbaum of MLB.com, Hollander said:

"We’re really disappointed, for Ryan and for us, because we really thought he could provide meaningful impact for us as we got into the latter stages of the month, and into the playoffs hopefully. He just brings a skillset that’s unique, he can really run, he’s good on the bases, obviously he hits left-handed pitching well. It’s a disappointment for us, but that probably pales in comparison to the disappointment for him."

Justin Hollander

This latest news on Bliss only reinforces what a rough season it's been overall for the Mariners at the keystone position. The popular Dylan Moore flopped to the point he was designated for assignment and subsequently released, while top-rated prospect Cole Young has had his struggles, albeit understandably in his first season of Major League action.

Second base woes nothing new for the Mariners

The Mariners having issues at second base is nothing new in Seattle when you consider the position's yearly rWAR ranks for the past seven seasons: 2019 (17th), 2020 (18th), 2021 (21st), 2022 (25th), 2023 (23rd), 2024 (12th) and 2025 (19th to date).

In summary, we're talking about just one decent season at second base since the Mariners moved on from Robinson Canó after 2018. However, as bad as this might sound, not all hope is lost for the organization moving forward at the position.

As much as Young has had his struggles, he has still shown glimpses of his potential and should tap into this more as he continues to gain exposure at the Major League level. In addition, it's much too soon to write off Bliss as a contributor and from Hollander's comments, the Mariners seem to have genuine belief in his abilities.

The M's also have Michael Arroyo as the sixth-rated prospect in their farm system. Even though he's had his challenges since being promoted to Double-A Arkansas, hopes for him are high. Overall the potential is there at second base, but along with Bliss needing to rehab after another injury, it's about one or more of the three possibilities fulfilling it.