Report: Mariners RHP Matt Brash avoids serious elbow injury

Seattle Mariners reliever Matt Brash will be back on the field next week, good news after there were fears earlier this week that he could miss an extensive amount of time in the upcoming season, The Seattle Times reported Friday.

Brash was diagnosed with medial elbow inflammation and can return to playing catch on Tuesday, per the report.

Brash, a 25-year-old right-hander, reported discomfort after a bullpen session last week and hasn't thrown since.

Last season, Brash led the majors with 78 appearances as he went 9-4 with four saves, a 3.06 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 70 2/3 innings.

Through two MLB seasons, he is 13-8 with a 3.63 ERA in 117 games (five starts). Brash has struck out 169 batters in 121 1/3 innings.