Mariners trade left-hander Wade Miley to the Orioles
Published 1:30 am Sunday, July 31, 2016
CHICAGO — It appears the Mariners had no confidence that left-hander Wade Miley could become the reliable cog they once envisioned him providing for their rotation.
The Mariners traded Miley to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday night for minor-league lefty Ariel Miranda. The club confirmed the deal just prior to its game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
“It is a bittersweet ending to the trade we made last winter with high hopes,” general manager Jerry Dipoto said. “We are appreciative of everything that Wade did for the Mariners’ organization, culminating with his best performance of the season (Saturday) against the Chicago Cubs, one of the best teams in the league.”
Miranda, 27, is a former Cuban defector who was pitching at Triple-A Norfolk, where he was 4-7 with a 3.93 ERA in 19 starts. He made one big-league appearance, in July, and gave up three runs in two innings against the Mariners.
“Ariel Miranda is a power left-handed pitcher,” Dipoto said, “with a four-pitch mix (who) is major-league ready (and) provides us with flexibility. We are very excited for what he can bring to the Mariners.”
Miranda will report to Triple-A Tacoma, which means the Mariners will make a roster move Monday to replace Miley on their 25-man roster.
Miley, 29, is 7-8 with a 4.98 ERA in 19 starts, but has delivered quality starts in his past three outings. He limited the Cubs to one run and one hit over seven innings Saturday in a 4-1 victory.
“We are glad that Wade can go from one team in playoff contention to another,” Dipoto said, “and to a division that he has had success in during his career. This decision is the best move for the Mariners present and future.”
The non-waiver trade deadline is 1 p.m. Monday.
Miranda was 22-25 with a 3.78 ERA in 80 games, including 64 starts, over seven seasons in the Cuban league prior to his 2014 defection.
The deal frees up payroll for the Mariners.
Miley is making $6 million this season and is under contract next year for $8.75 million with a club option for 2018 at $12 million with a $500,000 buyout. That’s roughly $11.4 million guaranteed through next year.
The Mariners acquired Miley on Dec. 7, 2015 from Boston along with reliever Jonathan Aro in a trade for reliever Carson Smith and starter Roenis Elias.
The Mariners also remain linked to Cincinnati in a possible trade to acquire shortstop Zack Cozart. There are indications that it could be a multi-player deal, but sources indicate outfielder Jay Bruce is not likely to be involved.
Several other clubs are trying to acquire Bruce.
The Reds are believed to want a high-end pitching prospect as part of any deal for Cozart. One possibility is lefty Luiz Gohara, who turned 20 Sunday. He is a combined 5-0 with a 2.05 ERA in eight starts at Lo-A Clinton and Short-A Everett.
