Mariners Promote to Bolster Bullpen Following Injury Moves
The Seattle Mariners made another pitching-related roster adjustment Monday, recalling right-handed reliever Josh Simpson from Triple-A Tacoma to reinforce the bullpen ahead of their next series.
Simpson’s promotion comes as part of a broader set of roster moves for Seattle after left-handed reliever Gabe Speier was placed on the 15-day injured list with a shoulder issue. In addition, right-hander Cole Wilcox was optioned back to Triple-A, creating the opening for Simpson to join the major league roster.
The move gives Seattle an additional bullpen arm as the club looks to maintain depth in the relief corps while dealing with injuries and managing workloads during the early stages of the season.
Simpson, 27, arrives with previous major league experience after appearing in 31 games for the Miami Marlins last season. While his overall numbers with Miami were not particularly strong, the Mariners appear willing to give him another opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.
During the 2025 campaign, Simpson recorded a 7.34 ERA and 1.83 WHIP across 30.2 innings pitched for the Marlins. He also struck out 36 batters during that span, flashing the ability to miss bats despite his struggles with run prevention and consistency.
Those strikeout totals suggest there is still intriguing raw potential in Simpson’s arm, even if the overall results have yet to fully materialize in the majors. Seattle’s coaching staff may believe they can help him refine his command and improve his execution in high-leverage situations.
For the Mariners, Simpson’s promotion is primarily about providing immediate bullpen depth. The team has leaned heavily on its relievers at times this season, and with Speier sidelined, adding another fresh arm became a necessity. Simpson offers Seattle another option capable of soaking up innings in middle relief while potentially earning a larger role if he performs well.
The Mariners have built a strong reputation in recent years for maximizing the value of pitchers through mechanical tweaks and pitch development, and Simpson may be the latest arm the organization attempts to unlock. If Seattle can help him improve his command and pitch efficiency, he could become a useful contributor in the bullpen over the coming weeks.
This call-up also presents an important opportunity for Simpson personally. After spending time in Triple-A Tacoma working to sharpen his game, he now gets another chance to establish himself in the majors and show he can be a reliable option for a playoff-contending club.
Seattle will likely ease Simpson into action initially, using him in lower-leverage situations as he adjusts to the major league environment again. However, strong performances could quickly increase his role, particularly with the Mariners continuing to shuffle bullpen responsibilities amid injuries and roster changes.
While the move may not generate major headlines, bullpen depth often becomes a defining factor over the course of a long MLB season. Seattle’s decision to promote Simpson reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining flexibility and fresh arms in the bullpen as it navigates the grind of the 162-game schedule.
Now, the focus turns to whether Simpson can capitalize on this latest opportunity and provide the stability Seattle needs in relief while key contributors work their way back from injury.
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