Seattle Mariners GM Provides Injury Update on Pitching Prospect Christian Little

SEATTLE — One of the Seattle Mariners' many pitchers picked during the 2024 MLB Draft landed on the shelf this past week.

Right-handed starter Christian Little, currently assigned to the Single-A Modesto Nuts, was placed on the 7-day injured list June 27. Right-handed pitcher Chia-Shi Shen was promoted from the Arizona Complex League to fill in for Little's spot in the rotation.

Seattle general manager Justin Hollander spoke to the media before the team's game against the Kansas City Royals on Monday. He provided injury updates on several major and minor leaguers, including Little.

According to Hollander, Little is dealing with a bone spur in his right elbow. He received an injection to help drain inflammation. Hollander was uncertain whether it was a cortisone or PRP (platlet-rich plasma) injection at the time of the interview. Little is expected to make his return around mid-August, according to Hollander.

Little was picked in the 11th round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Louisiana State (LSU).

The former NCAA World Series champion has made 12 starts with the Nuts this season. He has a 4.76 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched. He's reached a season-high of six strikeouts in six respective starts this season. He's fanned less than four batters just twice in his 12 outings.