Randy Arozarena homers, scores winning run for M’s

Divish and Jude add that Seattle is also listening on starter George Kirby, which was reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan earlier on Saturday. The fact that the Mariners are willing to consider moving Arozarena is a notable development as they sit three games out of the AL West division lead and a Wild Card playoff spot. The 31-year-old impending free agent would be one of the strongest right-handed bats available on the trade market. Where Seattle sits in the standings leading into Monday’s deadline is going to be the deciding factor whether they buy or sell.

Arozarena was nearly 5-for-5 in producing hard-hit balls today, with his 94.4-mph groundout in the second barely missing out. At .284/.379/.448, he’s having an exceptional walk year as he approaches free agency for the first time. He hit .229/.333/.408 between 2024 and ’25.

Arozarena tagged Marlins right-hander Janson Junk for a 414-foot (104.4-mph EV) solo shot in the fifth inning that pulled the Mariners to within four runs at 6-2. That would be his only hit in three at-bats in the ballgame, though he drew a pair of walks as well. The dynamic 31-year-old outfielder is slashing a healthy .287/.380/.455 to go along with 10 homers, 42 RBI and 19 stolen bases on the season.

Arozarena also walked and scored three times. He had been 0-for-9 with the bases loaded this year before hitting the first grand slam ever surrendered by Shane Bieber. It was his ninth homer through the Mariners’ 90th game, so he’ll need to pick up the pace a little in order to collect his sixth straight 20/20 season. The steals won’t be an issue; he’s already 19-for-23 there.

Arozarena’s home run was his eighth of the season. He hit a three-run shot off Shawn Armstrong in the eighth inning. With the Mariners trying to make a comeback in the bottom of the eighth, Arozarena blasted a three-run home run. The home run is his first in five games since returning from the injured list. He’s hitting .288 with an .826 OPS and 36 RBI.

J.P. Crawford has been dropped to sixth. The Mariners are facing a left-hander in Joey Cantillo tonight, so this might not be a full-time change. The Mariners have had big problems with lefties this season, and though Arozarena is a righty, he, like most of the rest of the team, has performed better against righties this year (.828 OPS to .738). Arozarena spent a chunk of last season as a leadoff man, but he was dropped to the middle of the order this year with newcomer Brandon Donovan expected to leadoff regularly.

Canzone pulled up lame after an RBI fielder’s choice against the Red Sox on Sunday, and it’s not a huge surprise to see the 28-year-old out of action for Tuesday’s bout versus PIttsburgh. Victor Robles will be in left field with Randy Arozarena returning from the injured list as the designated hitter against Mitch Keller and the Pittsburgh bullpen.

Arozarena missed just the minimum 10 days after dealing with a mild hamstring strain. The 31-year-old should return to the middle of Seattle’s lineup as the everyday left fielder. Connor Joe was sent to Tacoma to make room for Arozarena on the active roster.

The move is now official. Arozarena heads to the injured list with a relatively mild hamstring issue while the Mariners deal with an avalanche of injuries to their roster, including Josh Naylor (shin, wrist) and Luke Raley (back). It’ll be Curtis Washington Jr. coming up from High-A Everett to take his spot on Seattle’s roster temporarily with Connor Joe on his way from Triple-A for Wednesday’s game. Fantasy managers should anticipate Arozarena making it back to Seattle before the end of June.

Arozarena underwent an MRI that revealed hamstring inflammation and isn’t expected to require a lengthy absence. Unfortunately, the Mariners are also missing Josh Naylor (shin, wrist) and Luke Raley (back) due to injuries and can’t really afford to play with a one-man bench. The 31-year-old will get some extra time off to rest and recover. It’ll be Curtis Washington Jr. coming up from High-A Everett to take a seat on Seattle bench in case of emergency.