M’s notebook: Hultzen clear waivers, sent to Triple-A

Left-hander Danny Hultzen, as it turns out, isn’t going anywhere.

The Mariners retained Hultzen, an oft-injured former first-round pick, when he cleared waivers Wednesday after being designated for assignment last Friday to clear space for other players on the 40-man roster.

Hultzen, who turns 26 on Saturday, was sent to Triple-A Tacoma on an outright assignment. He missed most of the last three seasons while undergoing and recovering from shoulder surgery.

It isn’t particularly surprising that Hultzen cleared waivers. He was out of options, which meant he must make a club’s 25-man roster next season or again be moved off the roster through a trade, release or waivers.

Those restrictions virtually ruled out a waiver claim because Hultzen logged only eight innings over the last two seasons, hasn’t pitched since May 17 and isn’t currently throwing.

“He felt good at the end of the year,” assistant general manager Jeff Kingston said recently. “He wants to continue to rest and rehab and strengthen the shoulder before picking up a ball in the new year.

“Obviously, that’s an unknown at this point as to how he’s going to feel when he does pick up a ball. He feels he’ll be good to go in spring training. We’ll just have to wait and see on that.”

Moving Hultzen off the roster makes him available for selection next month in the Rule 5 Draft, but any club that selects him would be required to keep him on their 25-man roster for the entire year.

That, too, seems unlikely.

The Mariners chose Hultzen with the second overall pick in the 2011 draft, and he appeared on a fast track to the majors by going 14-8 with a 2.82 ERA in his first 32 pro starts.

Hultzen opened 2013, his second full pro season, at Tacoma but a sore shoulder surfaced in late April. He made just three more starts before undergoing major shoulder surgery on Oct. 1, 2013.

After missing all of 2014, Hultzen flashed encouraging signs last spring and returned to active duty in May at Double-A Jackson. But he made just three starts before shoulder fatigue ended his season.

“It’s just really hard to predict where Danny is going to be come spring training and the regular season,” Kingston said. “Is he going to be healthy? What role is he going to be in? Is he going to be able to log innings?”

Interest in Ozuna

Miami outfielder Marcell Ozuna emerged late Tuesday night as the latest trade target for Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto in an ongoing roster overhaul.

Sources confirm the Mariners show interest in obtaining Ozuna, 25, from the Marlins, who are shopping him in hopes of acquiring a salary-controllable starting pitcher.

Discussions appear to be in the preliminary stages, but the Mariners are believed to be offering either left-hander Roenis Elias or recently-obtained righty Nathan Karns.

Nether Elias nor Karns — or Ozuna, for that matter — are yet eligible for salary arbitration.

Ozuna is coming off a disappointing season in which he hit just 10 homers after clubbing 23 in 2014. He had more moderate declines in batting average (.269 to .259) and on-base percentage (.317 to .308).

While Ozuna played primarily center field for Miami, he would likely shift to right field for the Mariners in order to allow Martin to play center. Such a move would free Nelson Cruz to become a full-time designated hitter.

Elias, 27, was 5-8 last season with a 4.14 ERA in 22 games, including 20 starts. The Mariners obtained Karns, 28, from Tampa Bay as part of a six-player trade on Nov. 5. He was 7-5 with a 3.67 ERA last season as a rookie.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.