Seattle Mariners Make Strategic Moves: Claim Leody Taveras and Reorganize Roster
In a move that has caught the attention of baseball fans and analysts alike, the Seattle Mariners have claimed outfielder Leody Taveras off waivers from their American League West rivals, the Texas Rangers. This decision, announced on Tuesday, is part of a series of roster changes that the Mariners hope will bolster their lineup as the season progresses.
Alongside the acquisition of Taveras, the Mariners have reinstated utility player Dylan Moore from the 10-day injured list. Moore, who has been sidelined due to right hip inflammation, is expected to bring versatility back to the team. Before his injury, Moore was batting .286, a figure that, if maintained, would mark a career high over a full season. His ability to play multiple positions, including second base, shortstop, third base, and right field, makes him a valuable asset for the Mariners.
In a corresponding move, the Mariners have optioned utility player Samad Taylor to Triple-A Tacoma. Taylor, 26, has appeared in four games for Seattle since April 30, going 1-for-8 with a run. This is his second season with the Mariners after debuting in the major leagues with the Kansas City Royals in 2023.
Additionally, the Mariners have designated right-hander Luis F. Castillo for assignment. Castillo, 30, made two starts earlier this season, posting a 7.71 ERA with seven walks and just five strikeouts. His last appearance in the big leagues was in 2022 with the Detroit Tigers.
As for Taveras, the 26-year-old outfielder has spent the first six years of his major league career with the Rangers. He was a key player in the Rangers’ 2023 World Series win over Arizona, starting all five games in center field. However, after Sunday’s game against the Mariners, the Rangers placed Taveras on outright waivers. This season, Taveras has been batting .241 with one home run, eight RBIs, and six stolen bases through 30 games. Over his career, he has maintained a .240 batting average with 39 homers, 168 RBIs, and 72 stolen bases since his debut in 2020.
The Mariners will take on the estimated $3.25 million remaining on Taveras’s one-year deal. Interestingly, Taveras has yet to record a hit in 11 at-bats against the Mariners this season, a statistic that Seattle fans hope will change now that he’s wearing their uniform.
Texas Rangers Recall Evan Carter
Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers have made their own roster adjustments by recalling outfielder Evan Carter from Triple-A Round Rock. Carter, who spent the season in the minors after a challenging spring training, is looking to make an impact as the Rangers open a three-game series in Boston.
Carter’s journey has been one of ups and downs. After an impressive debut late in 2023, where he hit .306 with five homers and 12 RBIs in 23 games, he was limited to just 45 games in 2024 due to back issues. This season, in 21 games for Round Rock, Carter hit .221 with three home runs, nine RBIs, 13 walks, and six stolen bases. Notably, each of his seven extra-base hits came in the past 14 games, during which he hit .288 with a .577 slugging percentage.
- Leody Taveras joins the Mariners from the Rangers.
- Dylan Moore returns from injury, adding depth to the Mariners’ lineup.
- Samad Taylor heads to Triple-A Tacoma.
- Rangers recall Evan Carter, hoping for a boost in their series against Boston.
As the season unfolds, these strategic moves by both the Mariners and the Rangers will be closely watched by fans and analysts. Will Taveras find his stride in Seattle? Can Carter replicate his 2023 form? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the AL West just got a lot more interesting.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
