The Seattle Mariners expect to be without outfielder Ben Gamel for the next four-to-six weeks after being diagnosed with a strained right oblique, according to MLB.com's Greg Johns. With Opening Day landing on March 29, Gamel is likely entering the season on the disabled list.
Gamel was a late scratch in Friday's spring training contest, and was said to be dealing with an issue in his side. At the time, the team figured he'd only be out four or five days. With fellow outfielder Mitch Haniger recovering from a hand injury, the Mariners outfield is looking rather depleted.
Haniger and converted second baseman Dee Gordon are slated to open the regular season as the team's starting outfielders, with either Andrew Romine or Guillermo Heredia acting as possible fill-ins until Gamel is healthy.
In 2017, his first full major-league season, Gamel hit .275/.322/.413 with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs and 68 runs scored.
