Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic has been placed on the 10-day injured list after fracturing his left foot by kicking a water cooler in frustration. This unfortunate incident occurred during Seattle’s 6-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. Kelenic, who was seen in a walking boot, took full responsibility for his actions when speaking to reporters. In a corresponding move, outfielder Cade Marlowe was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma and will make his MLB debut in left field against the Twins.
Kelenic’s injury is a significant blow to the Mariners’ lineup. While their pitching staff has been performing exceptionally well, ranking in the top three in Wins Above Replacement and boasting a strong rotation and bullpen, their lineup has been struggling. Currently, they only have four qualified hitters who are above league average with the bat. Losing Kelenic, one of their most productive hitters, to a water cooler incident further weakens their lineup. While players like Eugenio Suárez and Julio Rodríguez may improve going forward, and J.P. Crawford, Teoscar Hernández, and Ty France are reliable hitters, the Mariners’ lineup depth becomes questionable beyond these players.
This injury comes as a gut punch for a lineup that needed to improve in order to secure a playoff spot. It may even lead to the Mariners becoming sellers rather than buyers at the trade deadline. The prospect situation will also be a concern as the team looks to address their lineup depth.
Jarred Kelenic expressed remorse for his actions, admitting that he made a mistake and allowed his emotions to get the best of him. He apologized to his teammates and took full responsibility for letting them down. The young outfielder was visibly emotional while addressing reporters in the Mariners’ dugout.
Kelenic, 24, has been having a solid season, batting .252/.320/.439 with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs in 90 games. He was acquired by the Mariners in a trade with the New York Mets in 2018, which involved Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz. The Mariners selected Kelenic with the No. 6 pick in the 2018 MLB Draft.
Currently, the Seattle Mariners find themselves in fourth place in the American League West with a record of 47-48. In order to improve their standing and make a push for the playoffs, they will need their lineup to step up, especially in the absence of Jarred Kelenic.
In conclusion, Jarred Kelenic’s injury due to a water cooler incident is a significant setback for the Seattle Mariners. While their pitching staff has been strong, their lineup has been struggling, and losing one of their most productive hitters only exacerbates the issue. Kelenic’s remorse and acceptance of responsibility for his actions show maturity, but it remains to be seen how the Mariners will cope without him. As they strive to improve their playoff chances, they will need their remaining hitters to step up and fill the void left by Kelenic’s absence.