Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Ryan Cook is ready to go for 2018, according to Greg Johns of MLB.com. Cook was an American League All-Star for the A's in 2012 and one of the league's most durable relievers from 2012-14 until running into health issues. After signing with the Mariners in 2016, he missed two seasons with a lat strain, a hamstring tear, Tommy John surgery, and then a nerve issue in his elbow during that recovery. Returning was very nice for Cook: "It was pretty special. I had fun playing baseball again. Obviously there's a competition between the hitter and pitcher, but it was a bigger picture than that for me. I was really just trying to focus on making pitches and trying to have a good time being back out on the baseball field." Cook gave up three hits and a run in his 20-pitch inning, but it was more important that Cook was back on the field and throwing the ball well. He is only a non-roster invitee for the Mariners this Spring, but could find an impact role in the back end of the bullpen with Nick Vincent, Tony Zych, and Edwin Diaz. In three healthy seasons with the Athletics, Cook had a 2.60 ERA in 190 2/3 innings, striking out 197 batters and pitching to a 1.10 WHIP.
