Mariners trade for Rays’ Alex Colomé, Denard Span
May 25, 2018, 3:13 PM | Updated: 8:38 pm
Alex Colomé is the newest member of the Mariners' bullpen. (AP)
(AP)
The Mariners have acquired relief pitcher Alex Colomé and outfielder Denard Span in a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, a move first reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
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Minor league starting pitchers Andrew Moore and Tommy Romero go from Seattle to Tampa Bay in the deal.
Tampa Bay is also sending cash considerations to Seattle in the deal. The Mariners moved injured right-handed reliever David Phelps to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster for both Span and Colomé.
“This is a trade that makes us a more complete club in the present while also offering impact beyond this season,” Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a press release. “Alex Colomé brings an all-star resume, fortifying what we believe is an already solid back end of the bullpen. Denard Span adds length to our lineup as a steady and smart player with consistent on-base skills in addition to a veteran presence that enhances our environment.”
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A closer with the Rays who was an All-Star in 2016, the 29-year-old Colomé has a 4.15 ERA and 11 saves in 23 games this season. He led the majors with 47 saves last year. Colomé, who made his major league debut in 2013, has spent his career in Tampa Bay.
Span, 34, brings a veteran presence to Seattle. He was originally drafted by the Twins in 2002 and in his 11 years in the majors has played for Minnesota, Washington and San Francisco. He is hitting .238 with four home runs, 28 RBIs and six stolen bases this season.
Moore, 23, made his major league debut last season with Seattle, going 1-5 with a 5.34 ERA. The Oregon State product went 3-1 with a 3.04 ERA in nine starts for Double-A Arkansas this season.
Romero, 20, went 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA in nine starts for Single-A Clinton.
Span and Colomé are expected to join the Mariners for Sunday’s game, the series finale against Minnesota. Seattle will need to send down or DFA two players to make room on the roster when they arrive.
The cash considerations Tampa Bay will send Seattle amounts to $4.75 million to cover a portion of the $13,840,860 the Mariners took on with the acquisition of Span and Colomé, although the Mariners had an unexpected $11 million freed up due to Robinson Canó’s suspension.
Span is assured $10,193,548 – $6,193,548 remaining of this year’s $9 million salary and a $4 million buyout of a $12 million mutual option. Colome has $3,647,312 left in his $5.3 million salary this year and can become a free agent after the 2020 season.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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