Cishek (hip) indicated that everything went without a hitch in his second day of throwing Thursday, Owen Perkins of the Mariners' official site reports. "I'm playing catch every other day," said Cishek. "I expect to throw again in another two days and keep building up my hip strength."

EDGE Analysis

Cishek initially hoped to be ready for Opening Day, but now admits he will probably need to wait a bit longer before returning to regular-season action. The 30-year-old reliever has now changed his goals to simply pitching during spring training. "I'd like to be pitching in spring training games," Cishek said. "It'll take a little longer before I'm ready to pitch in regular-season games, but I'd like to get that far before the end of the Cactus League games." With Edwin Diaz now firmly entrenched as the team's closer heading into the season, Cishek will have to settle into either a seventh or eighth inning role for the Mariners. However, his experience as a closer keeps him in the mix for saves should Edwin Diaz suffer an injury or struggle.

Cishek (hip) expects to throw again Thursday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cishek played catch Tuesday for the first time this spring, throwing 25 times. The right-hander said he felt good after the light session, but it's clear he's still far from returning to normal pitching activities. Cishek underwent microfracture surgery this offseason to repair a torn labrum and was projected to compete with Nick Vincent for a setup role in the Seattle bullpen.

Cishek (hip) felt good after playing catch for the first time Tuesday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cishek successfully made 25 throws Tuesday, so he seems on track to gradually increase his activity as spring training progresses. At this point in time, a clear timeframe for his eventual return has yet to be made. However, more information should become available as Cishek gets closer to facing live hitters.

Cishek (hip) will play catch for the first time out to 60 feet on Tuesday, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

This will be the first time the righty will throw since arriving to camp, but he'll ease himself into things for the time being, as he is still weeks away from actually tossing off a mound. Cishek's hip procedure ended up being more serious than initially expected, so he'll continue to progress slowly with his status remaining doubtful for Opening Day. When he returns, he'll likely challenge Nick Vincent for the top setup man role to closer Edwin Diaz.

Cishek (hip) is still recovering from offseason surgery and appears to be a "long shot" to be ready for Opening Day, Bbo Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports. "Steve is not out to playing catch too far yet," manager Scott Servais said. "He needs to get his legs underneath him and get his lower half working. He's just getting into that."

EDGE Analysis

The Mariners will have their first official workout for pitchers Wednesday, but Cishek won't be included among the group and looks like he's multiple weeks away from even throwing off a mound, as Servais indicated he's only recently begun loss tossing. The reliever required microfracture surgery on his hip in October and doesn't seem to be behind in his recovery, but the severity of the procedure nonetheless figures to delay his start to the season. A healthy Cishek was expected to challenge for a role as the top setup man to closer Edwin Diaz, but Nick Vincent now looks like the leading contender for those duties.

Cishek, who underwent left hip surgery on Oct. 12, stated that although microfracture surgery was needed to repair his torn labrum, reports that he is "feeling well" heading into spring training, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cishek reports that his hip ailment was little more serious than had initially been expected, as evidenced by the microfracture procedure that was ultimately required. However, the 30-year-old reliever, while likely to be out a bit longer than first projected due to the complexity of the procedure, reports that he is on the road to recovery as workouts begin. Originally expected to be ready for Opening Day, Cishek's 2017 debut will almost certainly come a bit later, currently leaving Nick Vincent as the top setup option behind closer Edwin Diaz.

Cishek (hip) has begun a light throwing program, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cishek underwent surgery Oct. 12 to repair a torn labrum in his left hip, and Mariners assistant trainer Rob Nodine confirmed the righty has begun a very light throwing program. He is expected to be slightly behind schedule on his 4-6 month recovery time, but will likely operate as the setup man for Edwin Diaz once he is healthy.

Cishek (hip) is expected to begin pitching by April, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cishek underwent surgery on Oct. 12 to repair a torn labrum in his left hip. It is possible that he will begin the season with a minor league rehab assignment or in extended spring training. With Edwin Diaz securing the Mariners' closer role, it is possible that Cishek will operate in a set-up capacity once healthy.

Cishek underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn labrum in his left hip.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear how the injury was sustained, but this is not good news for Cishek or the Mariners. The reliever won't be able to resume baseball activities for 4-to-6 months, which could put his availability for spring training and potentially Opening Day in question. His exact return date will likely become clearer as his rehab process progresses.

Cishek pitched 1.2 scoreless innings Thursday in a win against the A's.

EDGE Analysis

Cishek has had his ups and downs this year, but he hasn't allowed a run in his last 11 appearances (10.1 innings) setting up for Edwin Diaz. He's struck out seven and walked three in that span with four hits allowed.