In a series of notable roster moves, the Seattle Mariners have made significant changes to their lineup as the 2024 MLB season approaches. The Mariners have optioned first baseman Tyler Locklear to Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers and seen veteran relief pitcher Seth Martinez claimed by the Miami Marlins.
These adjustments come as the team fine-tunes its roster to ensure a competitive edge. Below, we delve into the specifics of these changes and what they mean for the Mariners as they gear up for the new season.
Tyler Locklear Optioned to Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers
The Seattle Mariners have decided to send first baseman Tyler Locklear down to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. Locklear, who made his big league debut last season, struggled to find his footing in the majors, hitting just .156 with two home runs over 16 games.
Despite these challenges, Locklear showed promise in Triple-A, boasting a .272/.382/.468 slash line with 16 homers, 27 doubles, and nine steals in 111 games.
Locklear’s Major League Performance
Locklear’s stint in the majors was less than stellar. The 24-year-old corner infielder managed only seven hits in 45 at-bats, resulting in a .156 batting average. His performance included:
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- Two home runs
- A double
- A stolen base
- Three walks
- 20 strikeouts
These numbers highlight the struggles Locklear faced at the plate, emphasizing the need for further development in the minors.
Triple-A Success
In contrast, Locklear’s performance at the Triple-A level was much more promising. His .850 OPS and 16 home runs indicate a player with potential, albeit one who needs more seasoning before making a lasting impact in the majors. His Triple-A stats include:
- .272/.382/.468 slash line
- 16 home runs
- 27 doubles
- Four triples
- Nine steals
These numbers suggest that Locklear has the tools to succeed but requires additional time to refine his skills.
Seth Martinez Claimed by Miami Marlins
In a somewhat surprising move, veteran relief pitcher Seth Martinez has been claimed by the Miami Marlins. Martinez, who had joined the Mariners on a waiver claim from the Marlins earlier this month, has now been claimed four times this offseason. His journey has seen him move from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Marlins, then to the Mariners, and now back to the Marlins.
Martinez’s Performance and Journey
Martinez, a 30-year-old right-hander, spent the last four seasons with the Houston Astros. His 2024 season included:
- 44 appearances
- 3-2 record
- 3.59 ERA
- 1.27 WHIP
- 36 strikeouts to 18 walks
- 52 2/3 innings pitched
Despite his solid performance, Martinez struggled in his lone Cactus League appearance for the Mariners, allowing four runs, including a home run, in just 2/3 of an inning against Kansas City.
Implications for the Mariners’ Roster
With Locklear out of the mix for an opening day roster spot, the Mariners will need to explore other options for first base. Currently, the team has a few candidates vying for the position, including veteran slugger Rowdy Tellez and versatile infielder Austin Shenton.
First Base Candidates
Rowdy Tellez, a non-roster invitee, brings power-hitting potential to the table. Meanwhile, Austin Shenton, a Bellingham native on the 40-man roster, offers versatility, being able to play first, second, third, and corner outfield spots. These players will compete to join Luke Raley and Donovan Solano as options at first base.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key points to take away from the recent Mariners’ roster moves:
- Tyler Locklear has been optioned to Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers
- Locklear showed promise in Triple-A but struggled in the majors
- Seth Martinez has been claimed by the Miami Marlins
- Martinez’s journey has seen him claimed four times this offseason
- The Mariners have several candidates vying for the first base position
As the Mariners continue to evaluate their roster, fans can stay updated on the latest developments by following the team’s progress closely. For more detailed information on the recent roster moves, you can read the full article on [Seattle Mariners Roster Moves](https://sports.mynorthwest.com/mlb/seattle-mariners/mariners-roster-moves-recent-bullpen-add-claimed-1b-sent-down/1803372).
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