Report: Mariners, Japanese team nearing deal for RHP Arquimedes Caminero’s contract
Dec 10, 2016, 6:35 PM
Right-handed relief pitcher Arquimedes Caminero is out of minor league options. (AP)
(AP)
The Mariners are set to sell hard-throwing relief pitcher Arquimedes Caminero’s contract to Japanese team Yomiuri Giants, per The News Tribune’s Bob Dutton.
Caminero, 29, is out of minor league options, which would limit the flexibility that Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto has proven to value in the bullpen.
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The right-handed Caminero was acquired in an August trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates and had a spell serving as closer Edwin Diaz’s primary setup man. His obvious strength is a fastball that can reach triple-digits – his average fastball of 97.9 mph last season was higher than all MLB pitchers except for All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman, according to MLB Trade Rumors – but he has struggled throughout his career with control.
An imposing figure at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, the native of the Dominican Republic went 2-3 with a save, eight holds, 3.56 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 5o strikeouts and 33 walks in 57 appearances (60 2/3 innings) last season with Seattle and Pittsburgh.
