The Seattle Mariners signed veteran outfielder VÃctor Robles, as expected, but it wasn’t the only roster move announced Tuesday before of the American League West leaders’ series beginning in Oakland.
A Mariners transaction worth watching: reunion with Paul Sewald
The Mariners have signed Robles, outrighted third baseman Luis UrÃas to Triple-A Tacoma, and added an MLB-experienced relief pitcher to the Rainiers’ roster.
First, let’s clarify what the UrÃas move entails.
On May 24, Seattle optioned 27-year-old UrÃas to the Rainiers. By outrighting him, he has cleared waivers and been removed from the 40-man roster, which is required for players to be on the active 26-man roster. UrÃas could have chosen free agency after clearing waivers, but doing so would have resulted in forfeiting his remaining $5 million pay for the season. Seattle acquired UrÃas from Boston in an offseason trade that also included Isaiah Campbell.
Robles replaces UrÃas on the 40-man roster and takes up the active roster slot created Monday when Seattle optioned rookie outfielder Jonatan Clase to Triple-A.
Robles, 27, is a former top prospect who was recently released by the Washington Nationals after seven seasons with the team. Robles finished sixth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2018. For more on Robles, check out this story.
Regarding the aforementioned reliever addition, Tacoma Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto tweeted Tuesday morning that right-hander Matt Bowman had signed a minor league contract with the Mariners and was sent to Triple-A. Bowman was also active for the Rainiers’ home series opening against the Reno Aces, according to Curto.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73387154/robles.0.jpeg)
Bowman, 33, made his Major League Baseball debut in 2016 with the St. Louis Cardinals and has since played for the Reds, Yankees, Twins, and Diamondbacks. He did not throw in the MLB from 2020 to 2022. This season, he posted a 2.35 ERA in five appearances with Minnesota and an 8.10 ERA in four with Arizona.
Bowman, who chose free agency on Sunday after being designated for assignment by Arizona but remaining unclaimed, appeared in 75 games for St. Louis in 2017 and has a lifetime 4.19 ERA and 1.267 WHIP in 195 MLB appearances.
The Mariners begin their series against the Athletics on Tuesday at 6:40 p.m., with pregame coverage on Seattle Sports beginning at 5:30. For information on how to stream Mariners Radio Network broadcasts from Seattle Sports.
