In a surprising move, the New York Mets designated slugging right-hander Shintaro Fujinami as a designated player.
RHP Eric Ause has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.
RHP Shintaro Fujinami returned from the injured list (IL) and was designated a designated player.
RHP Eric Ause has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.
RHP Shintaro Fujinami returned from the injured list (IL) and was designated a designated player.
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 26, 2024
The 30-year-old Fujinami has not pitched yet this season because of injury but is currently healthy.
His current MLB performance is generally poor, but the Seattle Mariners should be willing to inquire about what it would take to acquire him. Given the Mariners’ current shambles in relief, Fujinami is an intriguing candidate. He has a 7.18 ERA in one MLB season, but a 4.85 ERA since being traded to the Baltimore Orioles last season. He has also proven to be a better reliever than a starter, batting .193 against Orioles opponents. He has also struck out 83 batters in 79.0 MLB innings and boasts impressive high-90s velocity.
He still threw 16.1 rehab innings in the minor leagues this year, striking out 20 batters, but his ERA in Triple-A is above 10, which will certainly be a concern for the Mariners.
If the Mariners bullpen was in top form, they probably wouldn’t be interested, but with Matt Brush out for the season, Gregory Santos injured his knee on Wednesday and Trent Thornton and Ryne Stanek struggling recently, the bullpen has room for a rookie.
Seattle has also been good at turning afterthought relief pitchers into successful big leaguers.
The Mariners will take on the Chicago White Sox on Friday at 5:10 pm PST.
NEW PODCAST EPISODE NOW: The latest episode of the “Refuse to Lose” podcast is now available. In this episode, we look back at the M’s recent poor performance and how they actually got to this situation. We also discuss whether Scott Servais and Jerry Dipoto should keep their jobs. SI is joined by Ben Ranieri of SEALEVEL and Teren Kovac of the Mariners. Click here:
Mariners make big splash at trade deadline: The Mariners made their first big splash of the trade deadline season on Thursday night, acquiring outfielder Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays. Click here:
HISTORIC PITCHER DUO: George Kirby is scheduled to take the mound on Friday and is in the midst of a historic pitching streak along with teammate Logan Gilbert. click here:
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