Mariners' Dylan Moore to Return in Mid-April?

That's actually great news for the Mariners, who really need Moore if they want to reach their full potential this season.

Moore is slated to be the primary backup to JP Crawford at shortstop and could factor into a platoon-situation with Kolten Wong at second base. He also has the ability to play all three outfield positions and is a career .225 hitter against LHPs. That may not seem like much, but he's a career .198 hitter against righties, so that is a significant difference.

He hasn't played all spring with this oblique injury so he will undoubtedly need reps to get ready for the season, but any good news is welcome on that front.

If there's one weakness the Mariners have, Drayer has correctly identified the middle infield depth as it. There aren't many good options behind Crawford at shortstop other than Moore and there aren't great options behind Wong at second, either.

Sam Haggerty has some professional experience at second and could see some time there in the interim and as for the early backup at SS? We haven't gotten word yet, as the final roster has not been released.

Moore, 30, signed a three-year contract worth $8.875 million this offseason. The Mariners won 90 games last year and advanced to the AL Divisional series, where they were swept by the Houston Astros.

The Mariners open up the season March 30 at home against Cleveland. Luis Castillo will pitch against Shane Bieber.