Seattle Mariners right-handed pitcher Emerson Hancock has made encouraging progress in his recovery from a left adductor strain, but the team remains uncertain about when he will return as the regular season winds down.
Hancock landed on the 15-day injured list on Aug. 29 after suffering the injury during his Aug. 28 start in Toronto. The right-hander twisted awkwardly while fielding a first-inning grounder near first base and remained in the game for another 61 pitches, eventually completing five innings.
After going 10 days without throwing off a mound, Hancock completed his first bullpen session Wednesday. He used his full pitch mix at what he described as normal midweek intensity rather than maximum effort. Manager Dan Wilson called the workout “pretty good,” although Hancock admitted that he still occasionally felt discomfort when planting his left leg.
The injury involves Hancock’s landing leg, where he continues to experience intermittent pain while striding toward the plate. He said he felt “all right” after the session and believes he is improving, but another bullpen will be required before Seattle determines the next phase of his recovery.
Hancock is eligible to return Sept. 13, but his absence has already created a difficult timeline. After sitting out for around two weeks, he would need to rebuild his workload before returning to a starting role. Wilson has not ruled out moving Hancock to the bullpen for the remainder of the season, which could allow him to return sooner while limiting the innings and physical stress placed on the injured muscle.
The potential change would come after Hancock proved himself as one of the Mariners most reliable starters. Through 25 starts, he owns a staff-best 3.57 ERA across a career-high 138.2 innings. He entered 2026 with a career 4.81 ERA over 37 games and had previously been inconsistent as a starter, recording a 5.01 ERA during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Hancock also entered the All-Star break with a 3.17 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. His fastball ranked in the 99th percentile in run value, while he increasingly relied on his sweeper.
Seattle’s rotation has changed since Hancock’s injury, with Luis Castillo traded at the deadline and Kade Anderson taking his place. Anderson earned his first Major League win Wednesday. Meanwhile, Bryce Miller has been limited in his workload after struggling during the summer.
Hancock will throw another bullpen in the coming days, and that session will help the Mariners determine whether he can return as a starter or finish the season in relief. He made several bullpen appearances last September.
Seattle Mariners right-handed pitcher Emerson Hancock has made encouraging progress in his recovery from a left adductor strain, but the team remains uncertain about when he will return as the regular season winds down. Hancock landed on the 15-day injured list on Aug. 29 after suffering the injury during his Aug. 28 start in Toronto.