Emerson Hancock finally got back on the mound Wednesday for a bullpen session, but Mariners fans, the adductor strain is still making its presence felt. Even after 10 days without throwing off a mound, Hancock admitted he occasionally feels the effects of the injury, specifically in his landing or plant leg as he strides. He felt “all right” after the session, where he threw his complete pitch mix at “normal midweek intensity,” not 100% effort, but that lingering occasional pain is a serious concern for a guy who has been one of the steadiest hands in what’s been a shaky rotation this year.
The Pain Isn’t Gone, and Neither Is the Question Mark
Hancock’s dealing with pain along his inner thigh, and he’s been brutally honest about the uncertainty surrounding his recovery. “I don’t know what it’s going to feel like,” he said, talking about the force on his landing leg. “It’s a day-to-day thing.” He’s been on the IL since August 29, so we’ve been without him for a bit, and for a guy who’s been having a breakout season, this has to be incredibly frustrating. He emphasized that everything done so far has been “very very productive,” but the M’s need him ready to truly compete. The Emerald City needs him healthy and firing, plain and simple.
Rotation or Bullpen? The M’s Face a Tough Call
He’s technically eligible to return on September 13, just in time for the series finale against the Athletics. But let’s be real, he needs at least one more bullpen session before he can even think about coming back, and then he’ll need to build back up after two weeks off the mound. Manager Dan Wilson didn’t shy away from the idea of moving Hancock to the bullpen for the rest of the season. Wilson said, “Anything’s possible. We’re making sure that he’s healthy first for sure, and then we’ll look at understanding how to plug him in and how to get him back, either into the rotation or in a different role.” This would get Hancock back on the field faster while limiting his innings and the stress on that adductor. Hancock, ever the ultimate team player, is clearly focused on doing whatever it takes to help the team win. He told us, “At the end of the day, it’s not about me…you have to make sure that you’re in a good position to give your team the best chance to win.”
The Mariners are heading into that series finale against the Athletics on September 13. We’re all hoping Hancock can get that final bullpen session in and be cleared to help the squad. Whether he’s shutting down opponents in relief or somehow making a quick return to the rotation, his health and availability are massive for our pitching staff as we try to finish strong.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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