The Seattle Mariners’ anticipated roster adjustment before their three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles has been made, but it has come with a few surprises.
The Mariners have recalled catcher Seby Zavala from Triple-A Tacoma ahead of Tuesday’s series opening against the Orioles at 6:40 p.m., but catcher/designated hitter Mitch Garver remains on the roster despite being pulled from Sunday’s game after taking a pitch off his hand. Jhonathan Díaz, a left-handed pitcher, has been optioned back to Tacoma, making place for Zavala, who offers catching depth to the 26-man active roster.
The Mariners’ biggest move, however, was the acquisition of veteran reliever Chris Devenski. The right-hander may be best remembered by M’s fans for his stint with the AL West foe Houston Astros, where he was an All-Star and won a World Series title.
Devenski, 33, was released by the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday after appearing in 19 games this season. The Mariners’ press release announcing Devenski’s arrival mentions that he threw two innings or more in nine of his appearances with the Rays, which may hint to the role Seattle envisions for Devenski.
Despite the fact that the Mariners have signed Devenski to an MLB contract, he will initially report to Tacoma.
Devenski had a 6.75 ERA in 26 2/3 innings with Tampa Bay this season, with 24 strikeouts and 14 walks. Over the course of nine major league seasons, he has pitched for six different teams.
Zavala, 30, returns to the Mariners after going 2 for 9 at the plate in four games with the Rainiers. Zavala, an offseason trade acquisition from Arizona, has played in 18 games for Seattle this year, going 6 for 39 (.154) with two doubles and a home run. On June 18, the Mariners designated him for assignment; after clearing waivers, he was optioned to the Rainiers.
Regarding Garver’s status, Mariners insider Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports reported from T-Mobile Park on Tuesday afternoon that he “played a short catch session with a trainer.”
Díaz, 27, did not play a game for the Mariners after being recalled on June 28. He has only made one appearance for Seattle this season, on June 11 against the Chicago White Sox, but he is expected to be one of the Rainiers’ top starters in the Pacific Coast League by 2024.
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