The Seattle Mariners announced on Apr. 14 that outfielder Rob Refsnyder has been placed on the paternity list, as he and his wife are welcoming their third child. In response, infielder Patrick Wisdom was called up from Triple-A Tacoma to join the team during their series against the San Diego Padres.
This move allows Refsnyder to be away from the team for up to three days, which is standard for Major League Baseball’s paternity leave policy. The Mariners also designated right-handed pitcher Blas Castaño for assignment in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Wisdom.
Wisdom, who is 34 years old, has been performing well with Tacoma’s Rainiers this season. He leads all of Minor League Baseball with nine home runs and has posted a .774 slugging percentage and a 1.145 OPS over 62 plate appearances. “I would say a little nervous, right? But more so excitement and joy, because it’s such a good group in there. And you just walk in, the guys are all excited to see you. That’s always a good sign,” Wisdom said about rejoining the major league club.
Manager Dan Wilson now has an additional right-handed bat off the bench while facing several left-handed bullpen arms from San Diego during this series at Petco Park. Although Wisdom was not included in Tuesday’s starting lineup, his presence provides flexibility for matchups later in games.
Wisdom’s career path includes previous stints with St. Louis (2018), Texas (2019), Chicago Cubs (2021-2024), as well as time spent playing overseas in Korea and Mexico last year. Reflecting on his journey back to Major League Baseball after being released by Seattle in August 2020, Wisdom said: “It’s a cool journey… Baseball has been really kind to me. And I’ve gotten to see the world… I think the journey has been the best part.”
