Mariners’ Delayed Rob Refsnyder Move Puts Their Deadline Strategy Under the Microscope

Refsnyder’s IL move exposed a problem Seattle already had.Tremayne Person|

Apr 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Rob Refsnyder (30) bats during the game between the Rangers and the Mariners at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In this story:

It was a move that felt inevitable. Rob Refsnyder has been placed on the 10-day IL with Buddy Kennedy added to the major league roster. We won’t pile on Resnyder, we’ve done enough of that. But the Mariners’ situation is still a little frustrating.

Refsnyder had reportedly been dealing with discomfort in both knees. So, it’s not like this problem came out of nowhere. He came to Seattle to be a useful right-handed bat against left-handed pitching, and upgrade one of the M’s bench spots. But if his knees were bothering him badly enough that he eventually needed the IL, then we have to ask the obvious question: what exactly were the Mariners getting by keeping him active?

Mariners waited too long to admit Rob Refsnyder was not giving them enough

Seattle’s immediate response was to add Buddy Kennedy, which is fine. He gives them a right-handed bat. But expectations should also be tempered. The Mariners keep finding themselves in this familiar position. They make a move that can be defended on paper, but it still leaves the bigger question untouched. Kennedy will help the roster function. But if the larger issue is that Seattle still lacks enough dependable right-handed offense, then this isn’t as much a fix as it is another placeholder.

This Refsnyder move also lands in a larger context. Seattle is also managing other position-player injury situations, including Luke Raley’s left arm strain and Dominic Canzone’s hamstring tightness. Every team deals with injuries. This really isn’t just a unique situation to the Mariners. The bigger concern is how long Seattle is trying to operate in the gray area before making a hard decision.

When a team’s bench is already thin, every roster spot has to do something. But when one of those spots belongs to a player battling consistent knee issues, and providing minimal production, even through no fault of their own, something has to be done.

If Seattle wants to be taken seriously as a team with postseason expectations, then it cannot treat the trade deadline like a place to shop for another bench piece with upside. Refsnyder landing on the IL gives them a little room to reassess. Maybe he gets healthy, returns fresh and becomes the right-handed bat they thought they were getting. That would be the cleanest outcome, and many would be satisfied with that outcome.

But if his knees don’t respond quickly enough, a longer absence could eventually open the door to a 60-day IL move, which would clear a 40-man spot. At that point, Seattle would have even less reason to tiptoe around its need for a real right-handed bat.

Either way, the deadline conversation should be about adding someone who actually brings production to an offense that has needed it this season.

Published 33 minutes ago

TREMAYNE PERSON

Tremayne Person is the Publisher for Mariners On SI and the Site Expert at Friars on Base, with additional bylines across FanSided’s MLB division. He founded the Keep It Electric podcast in 2023 and covers baseball with a blend of analysis, context, and a little well-timed side-eye just to keep things honest. Tremayne grew up a Mariners fan in Richmond, Va., and that passion ultimately led him to move to Seattle to cover the team closely and become a regular at home games. Through his writing, he connects with fans who want a deeper, more personal understanding of the game. When he’s not at T-Mobile Park, he’s with his dog, gaming, or finding the next storyline worth digging into.

Follow TremaynePerson

Home/Mariners News

South Carolina boy, 5, killed in horrific double dog attack: ‘Little warrior’

South Carolina boy, 5, killed in horrific double dog attack

US News
- Metro
- Long Island
- Politics
World News
Page Six
Sports
- NFL
- MLB
- Olympics
- NBA
- NHL
- College Football
- College Basketball
- WNBA
Post Sports+
Sports Betting
Business
Opinion
Entertainment
- TV
- Movies
- Music
- Celebrities
- Awards
- Theater
Shopping
Lifestyle
- Weird But True
- Sex & Relationships
- Viral Trends
- Human Interest
- Parenting
- Fashion & Beauty
- Food & Drink
- Travel
Health
- Wellness
- Fitness
- Health Care
- Medicine
- Men’s Health
- Women’s Health
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
Real Estate
Alexa
Media
Tech
Science
- Space
- Environment
- Wildlife
- Archaeology
Astrology
Video
Photos
Pod Force One
NY POSTcast
- Today’s Paper
- Covers
- Columnists
- Horoscopes
- Crosswords & Games
- Sports Odds
- Podcasts
- Careers
- Email Newsletters
- Official Store
- Home Delivery
- Tips

Email New York Post

Switch between CA and NY editions here.

Edition

trending now in US News

Boyfriend desperately tried to save hiker as massive alligator...

GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. reveals reason behind mysterious absence as...

Supreme Court strikes down Trump birthright citizenship order in...

Actress hid fugitive boyfriend, funded his escape after he...

Cops who busted smiling sisters Cookie and Kitty offer hint at...

Grinning teen was the one who stabbed Texas mom to death, cops...

Missouri boy, 10, becomes youngest person in state history to...

Postal worker murdered on the job, leaving daughters orphaned months after husband’s death

Postal worker murdered on the job, leaving daughters orphaned... US News

South Carolina boy, 5, killed in horrific double dog attack: ‘Little warrior’

By Chris Nesi Published June 30, 2026, 2:51 p.m. ET

See more of our coverage in your search results.

Add The New York Post on Google

A 5-year-old South Carolina boy described by family as “vibrant and full-of-life” was mauled to death by two large-breed dogs while at the home of a caregiver, the county sheriff’s department confirmed.

JayCeon Gates was attacked by a bull mastiff and a pit bull terrier just before 7:30 a.m. on Saturday in Ladson, about 20 miles northwest of his hometown of Charleston, and was injured along with an unidentified adult.

A close-up of Jayceon Gates smiling. — JayCeon Gates was killed by two dogs June 27 while at the home of a caregiver. GoFundMe

The child was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead at 9:15 a.m.

“Both dogs were seized and are in custody pursuant to a search warrant on the date of the incident,” a Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office spokesman told The Post, who said although both dogs were involved in the fatal attack, it was still under investigation, in part to determine which dog was the “primary aggressor.”

As for the fate of the animals, the spokesman declined to speculate, saying that decision was in the hands of animal control.

Explore More

The 31-year-old Florida woman fatally mauled by a massive alligator was kneeling in just three feet of water when the reptile attacked – leaving her boyfriend desperately trying to wrench her from its jaws as it ripped apart her arms, officials said.

Boyfriend desperately tried to save hiker as massive alligator ripped her apart in three feet of water

GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. reveals reason behind mysterious absence as he returns to Congress after nearly 4 months

Supreme Court strikes down Trump birthright citizenship order in blow to president

A GoFundMe set up as a tribute to little JayCeon notes the family’s “unimaginable grief and hardship.”

“This vibrant, full-of-life, autistic boy was loved deeply by his mom and big sister, and his passing has left a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him,” the fundraiser set up by relative Danielle Riley reads in part.

“JayCeon’s family is reaching out for support to help cover the funeral expenses and provide comfort during this incredibly difficult time. Any financial donation will help, and your prayers and well wishes will bring a small measure of comfort to his mom and big sister as they navigate this loss.”

JayCeon Gates smiling while holding a hat and leaning against a tree. — The child was described as “vibrant and full-of-life” in a GoFundMe raising money for his heartbroken family. GoFundMe

The GoFundMe had raised nearly $7,000 of its $10,000 goal as of Tuesday afternoon.

Riley did not immediately respond to a message from The Post, but posted an invitation on Facebook welcoming those who wish to honor JayCeon with a balloon release on July 5, asking attendees to bring Power Ranger, Paw Patrol and car-themed balloons.

Start your day with all you need to know

Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.

Thanks for signing up!

“A Little Warrior. A Big Legend. Forever in Our Hearts. Forever Our Hero,” the bottom of the event flyer reads.

The State Law Enforcement Division’s Special Victims Unit, the Department of Child Fatalities and the sheriff’s office are working together on the investigation, according to the Post and Courier.

Filed under

Read Next NYC jeweler to the stars who appeared in 'Uncut Gems' ruin...

Trending Now in US News

This story has been shared 46,031 times. 46,031
Boyfriend desperately tried to save hiker as massive alligator ripped her apart in three feet of water
This story has been shared 42,433 times. 42,433
GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. reveals reason behind mysterious absence as he returns to Congress after nearly 4 months
This story has been shared 40,624 times. 40,624
Supreme Court strikes down Trump birthright citizenship order in blow to president
This story has been shared 31,360 times. 31,360
Grinning teen was the one who stabbed Texas mom to death, cops reveal — along with a tragic new twist

Listen Now

Now on Page Six

See All

Video

Supreme Court releases closely watched decision on birthright citizenship and allows ban on trans athletes

Now on Decider

See All

Covers

Today's Cover

Front Cover Back Cover

Flip for back cover

Browse Covers

Customers think Costco’s first standalone gas station in SoCal is ‘really strange’ — here’s why

Costco’s standalone gas station in Mission Viejo has no frills

US News
- Metro
- Long Island
- Politics
World News
Page Six
Sports
- NFL
- MLB
- Olympics
- NBA
- NHL
- College Football
- College Basketball
- WNBA
Post Sports+
Sports Betting
Business
Opinion
Entertainment
- TV
- Movies
- Music
- Celebrities
- Awards
- Theater
Shopping
Lifestyle
- Weird But True
- Sex & Relationships
- Viral Trends
- Human Interest
- Parenting
- Fashion & Beauty
- Food & Drink
- Travel
Health
- Wellness
- Fitness
- Health Care
- Medicine
- Men’s Health
- Women’s Health
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
Real Estate
Alexa
Media
Tech
Science
- Space
- Environment
- Wildlife
- Archaeology
Astrology
Video
Photos
Pod Force One
NY POSTcast
- Today’s Paper
- Covers
- Columnists
- Horoscopes
- Crosswords & Games
- Sports Odds
- Podcasts
- Careers
- Email Newsletters
- Official Store
- Home Delivery
- Tips

Email New York Post

Switch between CA and NY editions here.

Edition

trending now in Lifestyle

Five friendliest cities in the US according to World Cup tourists

French bombshell dubbed ‘the most beautiful girl in the...

One fact people get wrong about the Boston Tea Party

Telltale signs someone is a psychopath, according to expert

Restaurants now adding a ‘venue fee’ to...

Costco shoppers are craving a hot new bakery item: ‘Give me...

My son is dating another needy girl and I don’t like her

America 250: A look at America during the Bicentennial (1976) Lifestyle

Customers think Costco’s first standalone gas station in SoCal is ‘really strange’ — here’s why

By Nina Joudeh Published June 30, 2026, 3:13 p.m. ET

See more of our coverage in your search results.

Add The California Post on Google

Costco’s first standalone gas station in the US has opened up in Southern California, and while many drivers are eager to buy cheaper fuel, some shoppers feel the new location is missing the key features they’d hoped for.

Despite excitement about the gas station opening, many social media users pointed out it doesn’t offer diesel fuel, propane refills or a car wash.

The members-only station in Mission Viejo marks a major shift for Costco, which has traditionally operated gas stations alongside its warehouse stores.

Costco has opened its first standalone gas station in the US, located in Southern California. Reddit/Goodvibezone

“This is really strange,” a Reddit user wrote. “I expect all those things and electric car chargers and a food court if you’re not even going to have a Costco [warehouse] to shop at.”

Gas pump showing high prices at a Costco station. — The member-only station in Mission Viejo marks a major shift for Costco. Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Post

Explore More

An image collage containing 5 images, Image 1 shows Fans walking to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay, Image 2 shows Football players on the field and fans in the stands at Lumen Field during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Seattle, Image 3 shows Fans arriving at Atlanta Stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match, Image 4 shows Fans of Croatia cheer at the FIFA World Cup match at Philadelphia Stadium, Image 5 shows England fans watching a soccer game in a bar

Five friendliest cities in the US according to World Cup tourists

French bombshell dubbed ‘the most beautiful girl in the world’ as a kid gets married at 25

One fact people get wrong about the Boston Tea Party

“No diesel is really disappointing,” another added.

The fuel-only location replaced a shuttered Bed Bath & Beyond at 25732 El Paseo and is open exclusively to Costco members — meaning drivers without a membership card are turned away.

Others welcomed the new location, saying it could help ease the congestion at nearby Costco warehouses, where packed parking lots and long lines often make a quick fuel stop difficult.

“The one down the road is a nightmare with space and crowds,” someone wrote.

Others welcomed the new location, saying it could help ease the congestion at nearby Costco warehouses. Michael Ho Wai Lee/SOPA Images/Shutterstock

“If this is just a dedicated gas station, it might help alleviate it. I go sometimes to just get gas and this will make it easier for me and my hubby to visit.”

The Mission Viejo station is drawing customers with lower prices, selling gasoline for $4.79 per gallon.

According to AAA, the average price of regular gas is $5.35 per gallon in Orange County and $5.48 per gallon in Los Angeles County.

Cars lined up at a Costco gas station with people pumping gas. — According to AAA, the average price of regular gas is $5.35 per gallon in OC and $5.48 per gallon in LA County. AFP via Getty Images

The opening comes just days before California’s statewide gas tax rises on July 1. The tax will increase by 2.2 cents per gallon, from 61.2 cents to 63.4 cents.

Costco is also building another standalone gas station in Hawaii in Honolulu’s Kapālama Kai neighborhood at Dillingham Boulevard and Colburn Street.

People waiting in cars at a gas station with high gas prices. — The opening comes just days before California’s statewide gas tax rises on July 1. AFP via Getty Images

Although details surrounding the project remain under wraps, the location is expected to open sometime in 2027.

Costco operates an estimated 920 warehouse locations across the US, in addition to its standalone Mission Viejo gas station. The company’s gas business accounted for about 10% of total revenue in 2025 through 747 fuel stations worldwide.

People filling their gas tanks at a Costco Gas Station in Carlsbad, California. — Costco operates an estimated 920 warehouse locations across the US, in addition to its standalone OC gas station. REUTERS

The retailer also expanded gas station hours nationwide in June 2025. Stations now operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, while Saturday hours run from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday hours from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Neil Saunders of GlobalData previously told the Daily Mail the standalone concept could succeed because of Costco’s “wildly popular” cheap gas prices.

“Costco is building a new stand-alone location in Orange County to help manage demand that can’t be serviced at the station by its store,” Saunders said. “If successful, there are other locations where this could be implemented.”

It’s unclear when, or if, Costco will expand the fuel-only concept beyond those two locations.