The Seattle Mariners made a roster move Wednesday, promoting veteran utility player Connor Joe from Triple-A Tacoma after Victor Robles suffered a right pectoral strain during a defensive drill ahead of Tuesday’s game in Texas. The decision comes after Joe spent the offseason gauging interest from the Mariners and other clubs, ultimately choosing Seattle due to the opportunity and culture he sensed from team leadership.

Joe, who signed a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, was impressed by the communication he received from Brendan Domaracki, the Mariners’ director of player personnel, and Jerry Dipoto, president of baseball operations. “They were one of the first teams to reach out,” Joe said. “Even though I did sign late, the communication that we had throughout the offseason was very productive. I felt like I got genuine information from them. They said they had good opportunities for me, maybe not at the beginning of the season, but throughout the year to help this team win a World Series. Everything that they’ve said held up.”

With Robles landing on the 10-day injured list, the Mariners selected Joe’s minor league contract to the 40-man roster. To accommodate him, Carlos Vargas was transferred to the 60-day injured list due to a lat strain. Joe was immediately inserted into the starting lineup at first base for Wednesday’s series finale against the Texas Rangers, with left-handed starter Mackenzie Gore on the mound.

Mariners call up Connor Joe as Victor Robles lands on injured list

Joe has a career MLB slash line of .239/.333/.384 over parts of six seasons and 480 games, bringing versatility that made him a clear choice over Patrick Wisdom, who has hit seven homers for Tacoma this season. Joe can play both corner outfield positions as well as first base, providing Seattle with a flexible option during Robles’ absence. This season in Triple-A, he slashed .235/.282/.441 with four doubles, a home run, four RBI, three walks, and 10 strikeouts.

Manager Dan Wilson praised Joe’s spring training performance and professionalism. “CJ definitely had a great spring training. He swung the bat very well, very consistent at-bats. He can play in the outfield, can play some first base and he’s in there today at first. I like his professionalism. He’ll bring leadership to the clubhouse. We’re lucky to have to be able to reach down and get C.J. It’s good to see him back.”

Joe’s familiarity with the Mariners’ clubhouse environment helped him transition smoothly. He built strong relationships during spring training, gravitating toward veteran hitters like Brendan Donovan, Rob Refsnyder, and Josh Naylor. “I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed spring training with this group of guys, just seeing how selfless they are,” Joe said. “A lot of teams I’ve been with, the individuals are so focused on getting themselves ready. The amount of time each individual was spending in the cage when they weren’t working, watching other people work, is incredible. It shows how good of people they have in this clubhouse. The conversations we had in the cage are more productive than I’ve had in any spring training I’ve been a part of. I felt really welcomed the second I walked into camp and built relationships really quickly, and then to walk back into the clubhouse in Texas to pick up right where we left off is really cool.”

The veteran presence and versatility Joe brings to the Mariners extend beyond the field. He emphasized the importance of transparency and genuine communication from team leadership in his decision to join Seattle. “All we can ask for is transparency, truth, honesty,” Joe said. “I’ve had enough of those talks where you get a good feel if someone is truly selling or if there’s genuine honesty and truth behind their voice. I got great feelings from everyone I got on the phone with.”

For Seattle, Joe’s call-up addresses an immediate need while also reinforcing the culture of professionalism and selflessness that the organization values. His ability to fill multiple positions, coupled with his prior MLB experience and rapport with teammates, makes him a key addition as the Mariners look to navigate injuries and remain competitive in a deep American League West division.