SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners replenished Tuesday ahead of the trade deadline.
The Mariners acquired two injured San Francisco Giants players in lefty Matthew Boyd and catcher Kurt Casali, and acquired infielder Jake Lamb from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Seattle general manager Jerry DiPoto noted last week by acquiring Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Castillo to bolster his rotation, picking up a few lesser-known names the Mariners hope will last all the way. collected.
DiPoto said Seattle addressed three top priorities, even if Tuesday’s move had no buzz after adding Castillo.
“We went out and identified players who we think could really push us to a new level, and prioritized those who will be here in 2022 and beyond.
Seattle went 55-49 against the New York Yankees on Tuesday and was one game behind Cleveland in the final AL wild card.
Part of Dipot’s calculations in determining what makes sense is what he expects the Mariners to bring back in the coming weeks. Offensively, Dipoto said Julio Rodriguez and Dylan Moore are ready to return when their stints on the injured list are completed, and Mitch Haniger could be back in the team soon. Haniger has been out since late April with an ankle injury and is undergoing rehab at Triple-A Tacoma.
DiPoto also said relievers Diego Castillo and Ken Giles should be back soon to bolster the bullpen.
“In addition to the three players added today, we are looking forward to having some pretty big talent back from IL, in addition to Luis Castillo,” said DiPoto.
Boyd signed a one-year, $5.2 million contract with San Francisco, but missed the entire season after undergoing surgery for a torn flexor tendon last September. DiPoto said his recovery was halted in June after a setback, but he resumed pitching last month and is expected to return later in the summer. He started the game with a 3.89 ERA.
Seattle intends to use Boyd as a long relief from the bullpen when he’s ready to join the club.
Casali, who has a .231 batting average, four home runs and a .696 OPS in 41 games this season, is currently on injured reserve with a strained right diagonal. He started his league rehab assignment in the minors last week, but Dipot didn’t have a timeline for his return to the majors.
The 33-year-old is highly regarded in defense and game management. Last season, he became his fifth catcher since at least his 1900 to backstop his fifth straight shutout with the Giants. He fell short of the record set by Ed Phelps in 1903 by one.
Casali is expected to back up second-year catcher Cal Rowley. The 25-year-old has a .204 batting average, 14 home runs and a .728 OPS.
“Cal plays regularly. When I say regularly, he plays every day in some way, whether it’s a full game or a sub in the second half. But I would like to reduce it.
Lamb, 31, was primarily the designated hitter for the Dodgers. The left-handed hitter has a .239 batting average, two home runs and a .770 OPS in 25 games.
Seattle sent minor league right-hander Michael Streefeller and catcher Andy Thomas to San Francisco, and Lamb was added in exchange for cash or a player nomination. The Mariners also named lefty Tommy Milone and outfielder Jack Larsen.
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