Carlos Vargas: Everything you need to know

The Mariners transferred Vargas (lat) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Wednesday. The transaction will clear a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of outfielder/first baseman Connor Joe, who was called up from Triple-A Tacoma. Vargas has been out all season while recuperating from a right lat strain and now won't be eligible to return until late May. It's not clear whether Vargas has resumed throwing or remains shut down.

The Mariners placed Vargas on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to March 24, due to a right lat strain. Vargas threw 77 innings of relief for the Mariners in 2025 and figured to play an important role out of the bullpen once again in 2026. However, his season debut will be pushed back at least two weeks as he tends to a strained lat. Cole Wilcox was called up from Triple-A Tacoma in a corresponding move.

Vargas allowed one run on one hit in 1.2 innings Sunday against the Astros. He struck out one. Vargas has been a liability out of the Seattle bullpen of late, giving up at least one run in three of his last four outings. The right-hander has mostly worked as a middle reliever and in low-leverage situations in 2025, and that's unlikely to change at this stage of the season while the Mariners try to clinch a playoff berth. Through 74 frames, Vargas has a 4.01 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 51:23 K:BB with 14 holds while converting just one of his eight save opportunities.