The Mariners Wednesday acquired left-handed pitcher Mike Kickham from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league RHP Lars Huijer. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Mariners designated LHP Anthony Fernandez for assignment.
Kickham, 26, spent his entire career in the San Francisco Giants organization prior to being claimed off waivers by the Cubs Dec. 23. He was designated for assignment by the Cubs Jan. 9 when they signed OF Chris Denorfia.
Pitching primarily with AAA Fresno last season, Kickham went 8-8 with a 4.43 ERA (73 ER, 148.1 IP) in 27 starts. The left-hander ranked tied for fourth in the Pacific Coast League in strikeouts (131), fourth in games started (27) and seventh in innings pitched (148.1). In limited major league action with the Giants over the last two seasons, he went 0-3 with a 10.98 ERA.
Kickham was selected by the Giants in the sixth round of the 2010 June draft out of Missouri State University.
Huijer, 21, went 6-9 with a 5.08 ERA in 28 games (24 starts) with A Clinton and A High Desert last season. The Dutch native has combined to go 17-17 with a 4.48 ERA in five minor league seasons. He was signed by the Mariners as a non-drafted free agent June 1, 2011.
Fernandez, 24, went 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA (11 ER, 25.2 IP) in five starts with AAA Tacoma last season before going on the disabled list with a left elbow injury. He had season-ending Tommy John surgery on his left elbow May 22.
