Overview
- Hancock threw his first bullpen on Wednesday, using his full pitch mix at reduced intensity and reporting intermittent discomfort in his landing left adductor.
- The Mariners plan one more bullpen in two to three days to assess his response and then decide the next steps before he is eligible to be activated on Sept. 13.
- Returning Hancock to the rotation would require additional bullpen sessions and a rehab assignment to rebuild innings after two weeks off, a tight timeline for September.
- Shifting him to the bullpen would shorten his ramp, limit innings and reduce stress on the injured muscle, an option manager Dan Wilson said the club is considering.
- Hancock has been one of Seattle’s most reliable starters this season with a staff-best 3.57 ERA through 25 starts, so the club’s choice will shape its late-season rotation and postseason plans.