Mariners recall Taylor Motter, waive Danny Espinosa
Aug 20, 2017, 9:10 AM | Updated: 2:40 pm
(AP)
For the second time in as many days, the Mariners had a player returning from Triple-A Tacoma in the lineup.
Utility man Taylor Motter was recalled from the Rainiers and played third base in Sunday’s series finale against the Rays. Danny Espinosa was placed on waivers for the purpose of granting him his unconditional release to make room for Motter on the active roster.
On Saturday, the Mariners received right fielder Mitch Haniger back from Tacoma, where he had been on a rehab assignment, and he responded with a grand slam in a 7-6 Seattle victory.
Motter, 27, spent 25 games with the Rainiers in an attempt to get back on track at the plate. The Mariners saw the results they were looking for, as he hit .350 with seven home runs for Tacoma. Before being optioned to the minors on July 24, Motter hit .204 with seven home runs in 70 games with Seattle.
Espinosa, 30, appeared in just eight games with Seattle since signing with the team on July 24, going 3 for 16 at the plate.
Motter gave Kyle Seager a rest at third base, as Seager played two straight days after missing Seattle’s two previous games due to a stomach bug. The Rays also had a left-hander on the mound in Seattle native Blake Snell, making it a little easier to give the lefty-swinging Seager the day off.