Seattle Mariners' Intriguing Bullpen Arm Seeing Doctor About Problematic Arm Issues

Kowar was acquired this offseason by Seattle in the trade that sent Jarred Kelenic to the Atlanta Braves. He had previously been traded from the Kansas City Royals to the Braves in the deal that sent Kyle Wright to Kansas City.

The 27-year-old University of Florida product is a former first-round pick of the Royals who made his major league debut in 2021. Thus far, it hasn't materialized for him at the major league level, as he has a 2-6 record with a 9.12 ERA. He has thrown two scoreless innings this spring for Seattle, with three strikeouts.

Kowar is the latest name in the M's bullpen to be banged up. Matt Brash is slated to start the year on the injured list with elbow inflammation and Gregory Santos is behind schedule after lat soreness.

It looks as if Andres Munoz, Gabe Speier, Tayler Saucedo, Austin Voth and Trent Thornton have guaranteed spots in the pen. Kowar had been battling for one of the last remaining spots among a group of veterans.

Seattle went 88-74 last season and missed the playoffs by 1.0 game in the American League. They start the season on March 28 at home against the Red Sox.