SEATTLE -- Mike Zunino's strained left oblique isn't as serious as similar injuries to teammates Ben Gamel and Mitch Haniger over the past year, manager Scott Servais said Saturday, and the Mariners are hopeful their starting catcher could be ready to rejoin the team midway through its first road trip next week.
Servais said the catcher has a Grade 1 strain, the lowest level, compared to a Grade 2 or 3 for Gamel and Haniger. Gamel has been sidelined for four weeks, but he could be ready to begin a Minor League rehab stint with Triple-A Tacoma when the Rainiers open their season on Thursday.