In Seattle Mariners news, the team had to designate Mike Carp for assignment to place Joe Saunders on the 40-man roster. According to a report from Tuesday night (Feb. 12), Saunders officially signed a one-year contract for $6.5 million. There is a mutual option in place for the 2014 season as well, but the signing of the veteran pitcher meant the Mariners had to clear a spot on the roster.
The Mariners just don't seem to have room for Carp on the roster after signing Raul Ibanez and trading for Michael Morse this offseason. The outfield is a pretty packed and the team had to remove one of the outfielders from the 40-man roster. The team now has 10 days to trade, release, or outright Carp to the Minor Leagues. A trade could possibly happen soon, especially with Shawn Kelley also designated.
Carp hurt his shoulder in the first game of the season last year against the Oakland Athletics and then had a tough time getting his spot in the lineup back. He would finish the season with a .213 batting average over 164 at-bats, but has still shown some power that might interest several other teams. Expect Carp to show up in several Mariners trade rumors until he either gets dealt or ends up in Triple-A Tacoma for another season.
As for Saunders, this signing gives the starting rotation another veteran presence who can pitch a lot of innings. He had mixed success last season between the Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks, finishing with a 9-13 record and a 4.07 ERA. He has been spectacular at Safeco Field over the years, though, posting a 6-0 record with a 2.13 ERA in just six starts. He will immediately be placed on the 25-man roster and possibly become the No. 2 or No. 3 starter in the rotation.
Expect more Seattle Mariners news to come when the team figures out what to do with Shawn Kelley and Mike Carp within the next week.
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