The Seattle Mariners bolstered their bullpen by rolling the dice on outfielder Leonys Martin prior to their series finale Wednesday against the Braves in Atlanta.
Right-handed reliever David Phelps returned to the active roster after missing 16 days because of an impingement in his elbow. To clear space for Phelps on the roster, the Mariners designating Martin for assignment.
The move returns to the club to an eight-man bullpen while leaving the roster with just three healthy outfielders — in addition to utilityman Taylor Motter and designated hitter Nelson Cruz.
Martin, 29, cleared waivers in April when designated for assignment and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Tacoma, where he hit .312 in 84 games prior to a July 30 return to the big leagues.
Since his return, Martin batted .230 in 19 games with three homers and eight RBI. If he again clears waivers, Martin could remain with the organization and return to Seattle when rosters expand in September (if not sooner).
One reason Martin cleared waivers in April was a reluctance by other clubs to pick up his $4.85 million guaranteed salary, but any club that now claims him would be on the hook for about $1 million.
If Martin goes unclaimed on waivers, he can choose to become a free agent but, by doing so, would forfeit the balance of his salary.
Phelps 30, left an Aug. 6 game at Kansas City because of an elbow injury but experienced no problems Monday in pitching a simulated inning — i.e., facing batters in a controlled setting.
The Mariners acquired Phelps from Miami on July 20 in a trade for four minor-league players. He was 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA in seven games for the Mariners prior to his injury and is 3-5 with a 3.33 ERA overall in 51 games this season.
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