The Mariners made a trade Wednesday, acquiring outfielder Justin Ruggiano from the Cubs for minor-league relief pitcher Matt Brazis.
This isn’t the type of big trade fans might be hoping for to fill Seattle’s void in right field, but it does provide the Mariners another right-handed option who can play all three outfield spots.
The 32-year-old Ruggiano appeared in 81 games last season, missing time with two trips to the disabled list, including a season-ending ankle surgery. He hit .281 with six home runs, 28 RBI and 13 doubles.
Over six seasons with Tampa Bay, Miami and Chicago, Ruggiano is a career .257 hitter with 43 home runs, 137 RBI, 62 doubles, and a .766 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 398 games. Twenty of those 43 home runs have come off left-handed pitching in 335 fewer at bats, and Ruggiano is a .266 hitter with an .863 OPS against left-handed pitching compared to .252 and .704 against right-handers, so he could be a logical platoon option in the outfield if the Mariners don’t make a bigger move to add an every day right fielder.
Right-handed pitcher Logan Bawcom was designated for assignment to make room for Ruggiano on the 40-man roster.
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