SEATTLE MARINERS

Mariners trade Anthony Swarzak to Braves for relievers Jesse Biddle, Arodys Vizcaíno

May 20, 2019, 10:51 AM | Updated: 11:25 am

The Mariners have picked up left-hander Jesse Biddle in a deal with the Braves. (AP)...

The Mariners have picked up left-hander Jesse Biddle in a deal with the Braves. (AP)

(AP)

The Mariners have traded struggling veteran reliever Anthony Swarzak to the Braves for lefty relief pitcher Jesse Biddle and former Atlanta closer Arodys Vizcaíno.

Seattle is also sending cash considerations to Atlanta, conceivably to help cover what is left of the $8 million due to Swarzak this season.

Drayer: Yusei Kikuchi showed the Mariners something in Sunday’s win

Biddle, 27, had a 3.11 ERA in 60 appearances last season as a rookie, but he has a 5.40 ERA and 10 walks (to 11 strikeouts) over 11 2/3 innings this year. He can slot into the left-handed specialist role previously held by Zac Rosscup, who was designated for assignment over the weekend.

The second-year southpaw began 2019 with a 2.38 ERA over his first 12 games (11 1/3 innings) but was designated for assignment after allowing seven runs (four earned) and recording just one out over his last three appearances.

Biddle, who has a salary of $575,000 this season, has three years of arbitration left on his contract. He was a first-round MLB Draft pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010 but didn’t make his MLB debut until April 2018.

The 33-year-old Swarzak is 2-2 with three saves (in six save opportunities) and a 5.27 ERA this year. Though he did not allow a run through his first six appearances of the season following a stint on the injured list, Swarzak has an 8.64 ERA with six home runs given up over his last nine games (8 1/3 innings). The Mariners acquired Swarzak from the Mets prior to the season in the trade that sent Robinson Canó and Edwin Díaz to New York.

Vizcaíno, 28, has 41 saves over the past three seasons, but he won’t appear for the Mariners – at least not under his current contract. He underwent season-ending shoulder surgery after appearing in just four games this season, and his contract is up at the end of 2019. He went 1-0 with one save and a 2.25 ERA in 2019 before suffering his injury.

Kyle Seager returns soon, giving Mariners a big question to answer

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
High 54° | Low 41°
Roof is open
Red Sox at Mariners today at 7:10pm

Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners Mitch Haniger...

Mike Salk

Salk: Scars remain as Mariners return, but hope isn’t far away

As the Seattle Mariners return for 2024, Seattle Sports' Mike Salk writes about seasons, scars, frustration, hope and baseball.

13 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Bryce Miller Logan Gilbert Bryan Woo...

Brandon Gustafson

Dontrelle Willis: Mariners’ rotation provides ‘quality every single day’

Dontrelle Willis, a former MLB pitcher and current analyst for FOX Sports, gives his Seattle Mariners insight ahead of opening day.

16 hours ago

Seattle Mariners commercials Julio Rodríguez...

Brent Stecker

Latest Mariners commercial teams Julio up with a franchise icon

Add a new duo to the list of great pairings in Seattle Mariners commercials, with All-Star outfielder Julio Rodríguez joined by a team icon.

19 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh...

Shannon Drayer

Why Mariners hitters are embracing new approach to offense

The Seattle Mariners have new players, new coaches and new messaging for their offense. Based on spring training, it's all landing.

20 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Julio Rodriguez...

Brandon Gustafson

Passan: Mariners’ Rodríguez can take game to another level in 2024

The 2024 MLB season can be when we see "the absolute apex" of star Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez, ESPN's Jeff Passan said.

23 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Luis Castillo...

Brent Stecker

Mariners commercials are back, and they’re pretty good

After a four-year absence, Seattle Mariners commercials are back. Watch the first two starring Cal Raleigh and Luis Castillo here.

2 days ago

Mariners trade Anthony Swarzak to Braves for relievers Jesse Biddle, Arodys Vizcaíno