Two Mariners relievers battling strained back muscles

PEORIA, Ariz. — The Mariners’ bullpen is showing some early signs of attrition as right-handers Evan Scribner and Ryan Cook are battling strained back muscles — specifically the latissimus dorsi muscle.

Strained lats often turn into six-week recoveries, but the Mariners believe they caught Scribner’s injury in time to aid a quicker recovery. Perhaps two weeks.

But club officials are bracing for longer absence for Cook, who pitched one inning in last Wednesday’s 7-0 victory over San Diego in the Mariners’ spring opener. Scribner has not yet pitched in spring games.

While Scribner, if healthy, is all but ensured of a big-league job, Cook faces longer odds.

The Mariners acquired Scribner in a Dec. 8 trade from Oakland for minor-league pitcher Trey Cochran-Gill. Scribner, 30, is out of options and avoided arbitration in January by agreeing to a one-year deal for $807,500.

Cook, 28, agreed Jan. 7 to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract that pays him $1.1 million if on the big-league club. He has an option remaining and will make $300,000 if sent to the minors.

This story was originally published March 6, 2016 at 3:41 PM with the headline "Two Mariners relievers battling strained back muscles."