Spotlight Shines On Mariners’ Top Picks

General manager Jerry Dipoto insists the Mariners retained their top prospects in a recent bevy of moves that saw 11 players either traded or lost on waivers in a 17-day span.

And true enough, the Mariners held on to high Class A Modesto outfielder Kyle Lewis, their top prospect, and Modesto righthander Nick Neidert, who was named the pitcher of the year in the California League before a promotion to Double-A Arkansas.

Three righthanders who made their big league debuts this year are also still around: hard-throwing reliever Thyago Vieira, starter Andrew Moore and lanky swingman Max Povse. So, too, are speedy outfielders Braden Bishop and Ian Miller.

If the Mariners somehow reach the postseason, don’t be surprised to see Miller added to the lineup as a speed option, much like the Royals used Terrance Gore in recent years.

But all of those deals still thinned the farm system and put added scrutiny on the club’s first two picks in this year’s draft: first baseman Evan White and righthander Sam Carlson.

Both have been sidelined by injuries since mid-July.

White, 21, hasn’t played at short-season Everett since July 13 because of a Grade 2 strain in his quadriceps muscle, and Carlson, 18, hasn’t pitched in the Rookie-level Arizona League since July 18 because of a minor flexor strain in his elbow.

“Both are doing well and taking part in on-field activity,” Dipoto said. “Based on where we are in the season, it’s likely that Evan sees game action before the minor league season draws to a close.

“We are more likely to limit Sam to bullpen work with an eye toward returning to game action in spring training. Both players will take part in our postseason minor league camps.”

White batted .277/.345/.532 in 14 games, while Carlson pitched just three innings over two starts. He allowed one run and four hits.

“He is throwing again,” farm director Andy McKay confirmed. “He feels great and will be participating in all of our offseason programs. He should be fully cleared by Sept. 1.”