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Mariners Face Setback as Key Reliever Gabe Speier Unavailable After Yankees Loss
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- Mariners Face Setback as Key Reliever Gabe Speier Unavailable After Yankees Loss
The Seattle Mariners received another setback Tuesday after falling 4-1 to the New York Yankees , as left-handed reliever Gabe Speier was unavailable because of back discomfort despite returning to the active roster earlier in the day.
Seattle 's bullpen took another hit after Speier, who had just returned from a suspension, was ruled unavailable during the series opener at Yankee Stadium. The Mariners have now dropped five straight games, adding more pressure as they continue to slide down the American League standings.
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Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reported Tuesday that Speier was unavailable because of back discomfort. The left-hander had returned to the roster after dropping his appeal of a Major League Baseball suspension for intentionally hitting a batter, but the back issue prevented him from pitching.
The absence comes at a difficult time for Seattle, which has leaned heavily on its bullpen throughout the season.
Speier has been one of the Mariners' most dependable relievers in 2026. Across 36 appearances, he owns a 2-2 record with a 2.10 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 27 strikeouts over 30 innings while serving as one of Seattle's primary late-inning options.
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His availability now becomes a concern after the club lost another game to the Yankees. Seattle fell to 56-64 with Tuesday's defeat, leaving the club third in the American League West, 4.5 games behind the first-place Houston Astros and outside the American League Wild Card picture.
Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson (6) Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If Speier's back issue requires an injured list stint, the Mariners could look to Triple-A Tacoma for another left-handed bullpen option as they try to stabilize their relief corps during a difficult stretch.
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Meanwhile, the Yankees improved to 67-52 with the victory. They remain second in the American League East, six games behind the Tampa Bay Rays while holding the league's top Wild Card position.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
