PEORIA, Ariz. -- Mariners left fielder Ben Gamel will almost certainly miss the start of the regular season as tests on his sore right side revealed a strained oblique muscle on Monday.
Gamel is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks. Opening Day is March 29, when Seattle takes on the Indians at Safeco Field.
Gamel was one of the Mariners' pleasant surprises last season, hitting .275/.322/.413 with 11 home runs, 59 RBIs and 68 runs in 134 games as a rookie.
The Mariners have been shorthanded in the outfield already this spring with right fielder Mitch Haniger yet to play in any Cactus League games as he rests a sore right hand.