Mariner’s Streak Over, Deals Made, and Call Ups Happen

The Seattle Mariners had another interesting end to the trading deadline. With less than two hours left the Mariners were able to strike three deals while the players still around had to play a game four hours later.

Roenis Elias and Hunter Strickland were the first two to go in deals separate to the Washington Nationals. The Mariners picked up two minor league pitchers for Elias while one for Strickland. I expect the deal for Strickland was a surprise to many Mariner fans. Actually, Jerry Dipoto might have been surprised the Nationals asked for him since came off the injured list last week. Since the Mariners are not going anywhere the rest of the season having no closer is fine. I am sure the other relievers will pick up the slack.

Mike Leake no one was sure would be traded, however, when the time was running out the Arizona Diamondbacks wanted to have him so they struck a deal where the Mariners received a minor league infielder for him. The Mariners sent cash to the Diamondbacks as well.

The heat and the wind helped the game in Arlington, Texas to be high scoring. Unfortunately, the Mariners came out on the short end of the stick at the end losing 9-7.

Wade LeBlanc started for the Mariners. With the three trades happening the Mariners pitching staff was low on pitchers. I am sure the Mariners would have like to have an opener in this game.

LeBlanc was only able to go four and third innings. Going into the fifth inning the Mariners were leading 5-3, however, LeBlanc gave up three runs before exiting with one out. The big blow was a three-run homer by Willie Calhoun.

The Rangers scored another three runs in the seventh inning to extend the lead to 9-5 off of reliever Matt Magill. Newcomer  Keon Broxton made it interesting hitting a two-run in the eighth inning. The Mariners though unable to get any more runs to tie up the game or go ahead.

Austin Nola continued his hot hitting having three hits in the game including a home run in the second inning. Also, Kyle Seager extended his hitting streak having a single before Broxton’s home run in the 8^th.

The Mariners called up reliever Gerson Batista from Tacoma and promoted reliever Zac Grotz from double-A Arkansas. The Mariners have 24 players at this time on the 25 man roster. The Mariners likely add another reliever in place of Leake at this time.

The Mariners have today (Thursday) off plus next Monday and Thursday off as well. Leake’s spot won’t need to be taken in the rotation until the second-half of August possibly against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Mariners could us Erik Swanson as a starter or bring someone like Justus Sheffield from double-A Arkansas. It is too early to tell at this time. Go M’s.