Here's the latest that you need to know on Carlos Vargas, Connor Joe, Victor Robles and Josh Naylor.
The Seattle Mariners will enter the series finale on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers on the heels of some disappointing roster news.
Before the game, the M's announced that outfielder Victor Robles is headed to the injured list with a right pec strain, retroactive to April 7. Connor Joe has been recalled from Triple-A Tacoma and reliever Carlos Vargas has been moved from the 15-day to the 60-day injured list. That means he can't return until the end of May at the very earliest. His move to the 60-day IL does mean that a 40-man roster spot is open for the Mariners in the meantime.
About Robles
Still just 28 years old, Robles is a 10-year veteran of the Washington Nationals and Mariners. A former top prospect alongside Juan Soto, he helped the Nationals win the World Series in 2019, hitting 17 homers that year. However, his production fell off over the next few years, with the Nats designating him for assignment in 2024. He latched on with the Mariners, become a spark plug on that team. He hit .328 in 77 games with the M's, also stealing 30 bases. Seattle signed him to a two-year extension. He missed most of 2025 with injury, hitting just .245 and he's out to a 3-for-13 start this year, playing solely against left-handed pitching.
About Joe
A 33-year-old, Joe is a six-year veteran of the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds. He's a .239 career hitter with 35 homers. He hit .340 in spring training with a homer and six RBIs. He carried a .411 on-base percentage.
It appears that he'll play either the outfield or designated hitter, also against left-handed pitching. The M's will see a lefty (MacKenzie Gore) on Wednesday. He's out to a .235 start in nine games at Triple-A Tacoma.
As for Vargas
A key swing man in the bullpen, Vargas debuted in 2023 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and was acquired by the Mariners before the 2024 season. He made 70 appearances for the M's in 2025, going 5-5 with a 3.97 ERA. Though he's frustratingly inconsistent at times, his presence will still be missed in that bullpen for nearly two months now (at least).
After the Mariners finish out the series with Texas on Wednesday, they'll get a much-needed off day on Thursday before opening up a critical early series with the Houston Astros on Friday night at T-Mobile Park.
Seattle Mariners pitcher Carlos Vargas against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesJOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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