The Mariners confirm they have claimed Dominic Leone off waivers and designated Devin Sweet for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
The Mariners weren’t in action on Thursday, but there was still news to report. More specifically, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Baseball Operations Justin Hollander announced a couple of roster moves.
First up, the Mariners claimed pitcher Dominic Leone off waivers from the Angels. If he sounds familiar, it’s because the Mariners previously selected him in the 16th round of the 2012 MLB draft.
It’s already been an eventful year for Leone. Prior to rejoining the Mariners, he spent parts of 2023 with the Rangers and Mets, as well as the Angels.
Last time with the Mariners
During the right-handed pitcher’s previous tenure in Seattle, he made 67 Major League relief appearances and went 8-6 in 2014 and 2015. In the process he recorded a 2.78 ERA, 3.42 FIP and 1.249 WHIP in 77.2 combined innings.
For this season specifically, Leone has made 42 Major League relief appearances combined with the Mets and Angels. His production admittedly hasn’t been particularly great, with a 4.74 ERA, 5.37 FIP and 1.420 WHIP in 43.2 innings.
The 31-year-old has an impressive fastball which averages 95 miles-per-hour and has contributed to a 23.4 percent strikeout rate this year. On the flip side he has an issue with location, as evidenced by a 10.6 percent walk-rate.
For his 10-year Major League career as a whole, Leone has produced a 3.81 ERA, 4.07 FIP and 1.379 WHIP in 395 innings. His 22-23 record and 399.2 combined innings includes spells with the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Guardians and Giants.
In respect of the Norwich, Connecticut native’s contract, the Mariners will pay him around $258,000 of his 2023 salary worth $1.5 million. At the conclusion of the season, he will become a free agent.
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Not so sweet move for Devin
To make room for Leone on the Mariners Major League 40-man roster, Devin Sweet has been designated for assignment. The roster remains full at 40 players.
Sweet originally signed for the Mariners as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He made his Major League debut in July this year and had two appearances prior to being designated for assignment.
The 26-year-old was deserving of his promotion to the Majors, after impressing in Double-A Arkansas. In particular, he recorded a 1.54 ERA and a 34.6 percent strikeout rate in 35.0 innings.
Sweet will now have to be put on waivers, due to the trade deadline passing. He is using the first of three option years and his pre-arbitration contract is worth $720,000 guaranteed.
Injury updates
Mariners manager Scott Servais confirmed on Thursday, that Jarred Kelenic is due back at some point in September from his broken left foot. He was sent to Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday, to begin a rehab assignment.
Servais also advised Julio RodrÃguez is still listed as day-to-day, with a nerve issue in his left foot. The important thing is his injury is not considered anything serious.
What is your take on the Mariners as we enter September? Are you confident of them making the playoffs, or concerned they will miss out? Let us know in the comments section below.
