Mariners Lose Valuable Piece To Oblique Strain

Oblique strains seem to be the "in thing" this spring, with players all over the majors dropping like flies from the tricky ailment. The latest to take the fall is Seattle Mariners utilityman Dylan Moore. 

Dylan Moore has a Grade 1 oblique strain, an MRI revealed, which he called “low grade” … Mariners athletic trainers estimated he’ll be sidelined from baseball activity for 2-4 weeks.

— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) March 17, 2023

Although recovery from an oblique injury is often hard to predict, Moore has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain, the least serious, which the Mariners are calling "low grade." Moore himself said he's expected to be shut down for 2-to-4 weeks.

The 30-year-old hasn't played a game yet this spring, and the ramp-up from an oblique is usually a slow and careful process, as they can easily be aggravated. He'll undoubtedly start the year on the injured list, and not be able to make his major league debut until much later in April, at least. 

Moore had a nice year off the bench for the M's in 2022, posting an impressive .368 on-base percentage, and an OPS+ of 122 — 22% better than league average.

He also stole 21 bases for the second consecutive season. 

He played every single position on the diamond last year except for pitcher and catcher, and will once again be a valuable member of Seattle's bench when he's able to return. 

Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports