Mariners reliever Sam Tuivailala not expected to return till sometime during the 2019 regular season

Seattle Mariners pitcher Sam Tuivailala (62) grimaces after handling the ball as Texas Rangers Rougned Odor (12) is caught in a run down during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. Tuivailala was injured on the play and left the the game. (AP Photo/Mike Stone) ARL114 ARL114 (Mike Stone / The Associated Press)Tuivailala underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right achilles tendon last week in San Francisco. Typical recovery time is six to eight months.

After being acquired at the Major League Baseball trade deadline from the Cardinals to bolster a bullpen in need of middle relievers with power stuff and the ability to pitch multiple…