Mariners injury news: Mike Zunino has broken hamate bone, expected to miss six weeks

Guess that injury wasn't so minor after all. Mike Zunino broke his hamate bone in yesterday's game, and now the Mariners have to rely on Henry Blanco and newly signed Humberto Quintero, who was DFA'd by the Phillies two days ago. Zunino has to have surgery, and he's expected to miss six weeks. Zunino's been placed on the 15-day DL. It's a fairly common injury, but it isn't exactly a quick healing one. If there's a silver lining to take from this, it's that the injury on his non-throwing hand, so he may be able to return to action faster than expected. Or not. Stupid hamate bone.

It's frustrating news for the Mariners and the development of Zunino, who put up a .324/.442/.471 line over the last 11 games. Zunino had raised his wOBA to .296 and was showing serious signs of improvement. Hindsight is 20/20, but I bet the Mariners wish they still had Kelly Shoppach. Or John Jaso. /ducks

Instead it's Humberto Quintero, who comes over from Philly. Quintero holds a career .235/.268/.327 line at the plate. He's essentially Henry Blanco, so this should be fun. I wouldn't be surprised if Quintero is only around for a few days while the team looks for something better, and there's a good chance he'll be replaced when/if Jesus Sucre finishes rehabbing. Could the team turn back to Jesus Montero? Probably not.

The Mariners new catching situation is horrifying. Come back soon, Zunino.