Minutes after dropping a 3-1 decision to the New York Yankees at Safeco Field Wednesday afternoon in another lame offensive performance, the Mariners pulled off a six-player trade, acquiring INF/OF Mark Trumbo and LHP Vidal Nuño from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for catcher Welington Castillo, RHP Dominic Leone and minor leaguers Gabby Guerrero and Jack Reinheimer.
Losers of five in a row and six of seven after getting swept by the Yankees, Seattle will make additional moves on its 25-man roster when Trumbo and Nuño report to the club.
“Trumbo gives us another proven, middle-of-the-lineup bat,” GM Jack Zduriencik said. “He brings power and experience to the club. We think his presence will stretch and deepen our lineup with a legitimate major league hitter.
“Nuño is a versatile left-hander who has experience starting and relieving and comes to us at a time when we have experienced injuries. He’s a tough kid who throws strikes and will be a nice addition overall.
“It is always tough to give up prospects and players that you like. In this case, our organizational depth at shortstop helped us with the decision on Reinheimer, and Guerrero is well thought of, but we all realize, that to get something you have to give something.”
Trumbo, 29, batted .259 with 10 doubles, three triples, nine home runs and 23 RBIs in 46 games with the Diamondbacks. He has started 40 games in right field and one at first base this season.
In six MLB seasons with the Angels (2010-13) and Diamondbacks (2014-15), Trumbo has 118 home runs in 594 games (18.8 AB/HR) and recorded 368 RBIs.
From 2011-13 with the Angels, he hit 95 home runs, tied for fourth-most in the American League over that stretch. In his last season in the American League in 2013, he hit 30 doubles, 34 home runs and recorded 100 RBIs. He has played first base, left field, right field, designated hitter and third base during his career.
Trumbo was an American League All-Star in 2012 and participated in the Home Run Derby. He was drafted in the 18th round of the 2004 draft out of Villa Park High School in Orange, CA. He was acquired by the Diamondbacks Dec. 10, 2013, as part of a three-team trade with the Angels and White Sox.
The 27-year-old Nuño made three relief appearances for the Diamondbacks this season (0-1, 1.88 ERA). He also made eight starts for AAA Reno in the Pacific Coast League, going 3-3 with a 3.38 ERA and a 5.13 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
In parts of three seasons with the Yankees (2013-14) and Diamondbacks (2014-15), Nuño combined for a 3-15 record with a 4.13 ERA in 39 games, including 31 starts. He is 35-21 with two saves and a 2.90 ERA in 103 career minor league appearances. The National City, CA., native was drafted in 2009 Cleveland Indians in the 48th round.
Castillo appeared in six games with Seattle after being acquired from the Cubs May 19 in exchange for RHP Yoervis Medina. In 30 games (12 starts) between the Mariners and Cubs, he is hitting .162 with eight runs, two doubles, two home runs and seven RBIs.
Leone, 23, went 0-4 with a 6.35 ERA in 10 relief appearances with Seattle. Over parts of two seasons with the Mariners, he went 8-6 with a 2.78 ERA with 77 strikeouts in 67 appearances.
Reinheimer, 22, appeared in 48 games with AA Jackson, batting .277 with 25 runs scored, 10 doubles, one triple, one home run and 16 RBIs. The Mariners drafted him in the fifth round ofthe 2013 draft out of East Carolina University.
Guerrero, 21, is batting .215 with 22 runs scored, 10 doubles, two home runs and 15 RBIs in 48 games with Jackson. Guerrero signed with the Mariners as an international free agent Jan. 11, 2001.
The Mariners, 1-6 on their current home stand, begin a four-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday night at Safeco Field. Roenis Elias (2-2, 3.07) will throw in the opener opposite former Mariner Erasmo Ramirez (3-2, 5.63).
9 Comments
I’m guessing they are hours away from sending Weeks away. Excuse the pun. They need base runners, smart baserunning, walks and hits and move em over. They have to hit with runners on second and third. Sac flies, bunts, etc. Small ball when Cruz or Seager or Trumbo are not batting. We’ll see….
Not sure how to grade this deal or guess if it helps the team or not. If Trumbo can return to his LA Angels form then yes, it helps however his BA and OBP have not been his strong suit. Only his power numbers. Not really liking Nuno’s win/loss record. This almost seems like a knee-jerk reaction of a deal. I had hoped Guerrero would be kept around. Up until this season he had been a solid prospect for them.
Not sure about letting Castillo go. Zunino’s bat is a big problem right now though Castillo’s isn’t much better. But he at least put pressure on Z. Something Sucre doesn’t really do and he’ll most likely be recalled. Will Ackley finally be moved? I don’t see Ruggs or Bloomquist leaving, especially when Willie can play nearly all positions. Weeks has a long history with Jack Z but Ackley was his first draft pick as Mariner GM. Wouldn’t surprise me if someone suddenly goes on the DL.
Good call. The ‘Sudden Injury’ syndrome and DL. Didn’t think of that. Shoenfield has a fascinating take on recent M’s history on the ESPN Sweet Spot blog. Maybe not so fascinating if you’re an M’s fan. Some sobering stats.
dfa jack zzzzzzzzzz . . .
Now, deal with Rodney. Please.
Umm, so Guerrero signed when he ws seven years old.
Must’ve been quite the phenom.
;-)
Ugh, more solo home runs to look forward to…
it’s June, and the Mariners are plummeting out of contention. Ya gotta love tradition!
Deck chairs. Titanic. Some shuffling required.