The Mariners are about to learn whether their offseason efforts to build rotation depth can provide the protection envisioned in a season marked by their declaration to do "Whatever It Takes" to end a 15-year postseason drought.
Left-hander Drew Smyly will open the season on the disabled list after being diagnosed with a flexor strain in his elbow. The injury surfaced Tuesday when he experienced problems in a routine between-starts bullpen workout.
Smyly, 27, is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks, and the Mariners will compensate, at least initially, by recalling left-hander Ariel Miranda from Triple-A Tacoma.
This is Smyly’s fifth trip to the disabled list since 2012.