Mariners Reinstate Outfielder Rob Refsnyder from Paternity List

The 35-year-old veteran returns to the team after a brief absence to welcome a new addition to his family.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:51am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with sharp, overlapping shapes and vibrant colors capturing the dynamism of the sport.A cubist interpretation of an outfielder's dynamic movement, reflecting the versatility and energy Refsnyder brings to the Mariners' lineup.Seattle Today

The Seattle Mariners have reinstated outfielder Rob Refsnyder from the paternity list, allowing him to rejoin the team after spending three days away to be with his growing family. Refsnyder, 35, has yet to record his first hit of the 2026 season, going 0-for-16 at the plate so far.

Why it matters

Refsnyder provides valuable depth and versatility to the Mariners' outfield, with the ability to play all three positions. His return will give the team more options off the bench as they look to build on their early-season success.

The details

The Mariners placed Refsnyder on the paternity list earlier this week, allowing him to step away from the team for a few days. During his absence, the Mariners called up infielder Patrick Wisdom to take Refsnyder's spot on the roster. Now that Refsnyder has returned, Wisdom will likely be sent back down to the minors.

  • Refsnyder was placed on the paternity list on Tuesday, April 16, 2026.
  • Refsnyder was reinstated from the paternity list on Friday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Rob Refsnyder

A 35-year-old outfielder for the Seattle Mariners, known for his versatility in the field and his strong performance against left-handed pitching.

Patrick Wisdom

An infielder who was called up by the Mariners to take Refsnyder's roster spot while he was on the paternity list.

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What they’re saying

“After spending three days away from the team to welcome a new addition to his family, Refsnyder will return to the Mariners and resume working as bench depth.”

— Shannon Drayer, Reporter, SeattleSports.com

What’s next

Refsnyder is expected to be available for the Mariners' series opener against the Texas Rangers on Friday, April 19, 2026.

The takeaway

Refsnyder's return to the Mariners' roster provides the team with additional outfield depth and versatility as they look to build on their early-season success. His ability to contribute off the bench, particularly against left-handed pitching, makes him a valuable asset for the Mariners as they navigate the long MLB season.