The Mariners Thursday outrighted to AAA Tacoma switch-handed pitcher Pat Venditte, who had been designated for assignment Nov. 23. Also, according to multiple reports, the club is on the verge, pending a physical exam, of signing free agent Marc Rzepczynski, who would fill a need for left-handed relief help.
Venditte, 31, went 0-0 with a 5.73 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 15 relief appearances with Toronto and Seattle last season. With the Mariners, he had a 6.08 ERA and 12 strikeouts in seven relief appearances after posting a 1-0, 1.08 ERA mark with the Rainiers.
The Mariners acquired Venditte from Toronto in exchange for a player to be named later Aug. 6. He had a 5.19 ERA in eight relief appearances with Toronto.
Rzepczynski, 31, has attracted interest from several clubs this winter after a 2.64 ERA in 47.2 innings for the Athletics and Nationals last season. He is a veteran of eight major-league seasons with six clubs and will join lefty Paul Fry in the immediate bullpen mix.
The Mariners are reportedly interesting in signing Rzepcznski, drafted in the fifth round by Toronto in 2007, to a two-year deal.
