Notes: Paxton, White, Fraley injury updates

The Mariners made some roster moves recently to account for a few injuries. On Thursday, manager Scott Servais provided updates on the outlook for Seattle's injured players.

Lefty James Paxton, who was placed on the 10-day IL with a strained left forearm prior to Wednesday’s game, underwent an MRI scan. Servais said the results of the MRI were not clear yet.

Though the scans have been looked at by a doctor, Paxton is seeking a second medical opinion. As of Thursday's pregame interview, there was no exact diagnosis that Servais could provide, and no timeline for when the lefty could be back in action.

“I just know [Paxton] has had multiple people look at it and try to figure out the best course of action and what will allow him to get back in [action] as quick as possible,” Servais said.

Paxton allowed just one run and one walk in 1 1/3 innings in his only start this year.

Servais also said that third baseman Evan White seems to have avoided major injury, after he exited Wednesday’s ballgame against the White Sox early.

White left after the fourth inning of the 8-4 win over Chicago with a left quad strain. An MRI on Thursday morning revealed that White’s injury doesn’t appear to be long term, Servais said.

“[White’s] gonna be OK,” the Mariner's manager said. “Right now, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be an IL [stint].”

The Mariners will reevaluate White during the off-day on Friday, as he continues to receive treatment.

Meanwhile, left fielder Jake Fraley, who was also placed on the 10-day IL before Wednesday’s game, was diagnosed with a mild hamstring strain.

Servais said the mild injury is “good news,” as the club thought that Fraley might have been out for much longer. The Mariners outfielder will see time on the IL, however, as there is no definitive timeline for his return.

“[Fraley] will be out for a little while, [but it] was better news than maybe what I was expecting, based on what he said right after the injury,” Servais said.

With the multiple MRIs, Servais joked that good news usually doesn’t come from the scans.

“MRIs are never good,” he said. “I’ve never heard of anybody come out of an MRI and go, ‘Oh, it was great.’ Anytime guys have those, you always get a little bit anxious and don’t know what they’re going to find.”

Tough early-season opponents testing Seattle's young talent
The Mariners' early-season opponents have included expected playoff contending teams like the White Sox and Twins.

Servais said facing those teams early on has helped further prepare the Mariners.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “It really is a challenge. There’s no question about that, and our young guys are learning a lot.”

Playing tough opponents early in the year is something that Servais believes is helping Seattle’s younger members, including players like outfielder Taylor Trammell, who was acquired via trade last year and made his big league debut for Seattle on Opening Day.

“[Trammell] has learned a ton in two series in the big leagues, [like] how they’re going to pitch to him [and] how they don’t give in,” he said.

Servais on facing Nelson Cruz
The Twins’ ageless wonder Cruz is facing his former ballclub, and former manager, during the Mariners’ first road trip of the season.

Cruz, who is 40 years old, remains a force in Minnesota’s lineup, and has already notched three home runs and seven RBIs in the six games he’s played this season.

Servais managed Cruz for part of the slugger’s stint in Seattle. He said they have maintained a great relationship, and it’s impressive to see Cruz continue to play at a high level.

“We do not want him to get any hits or homers in this series,” he said. “It’s amazing what he’s been able to do throughout his career and sort of late in his career.”