Mariners acquire LHP Wade LeBlanc from Toronto
Jun 22, 2016, 7:52 AM | Updated: 10:14 am
Wade LeBlanc appears to be the Mariners' choice to start Friday in place of the injured Taijuan Walker. (AP)
(AP)
DETROIT – It would appear the Mariners have their starter for Friday as the club announced it has acquired left-hander Wade LeBlanc from the Blue Jays for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The move was the second of the day as the Mariners also signed reliever Tom Wilhelmsen earlier in the morning.
LeBlanc, 31, spent the 2015 season in Japan with the Seibu Lions and last pitched in the Majors in 2014. This year he has gone 7-2 with a 1.71 ERA with Triple-A Buffalo while walking 21 and striking out 85. He currently leads the International League in ERA and innings pitched and is third in strikeouts.
With Taijuan Walker requiring extra days between starts because of tendinitis in his right foot, the need for a Friday starter arose. The Mariners have already gone six and seven deep in their starter depth and added Zach Lee earlier this week. LeBlanc, who last pitched on Sunday, appears to be the choice for Friday at Safeco Field against St. Louis.
As this is a minor-league deal, LeBlanc has yet to be added to the 40-man roster.
