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
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
High 56° | Low 40°
No game today.

Seattle Mariners

Nelson Cruz Seattle Mariners...

Brent Stecker

After throwing out 1st pitch, Nelson Cruz retires as a Mariner

Nelson Cruz threw out the first pitch at Seattle Mariners opening day, then signed a one-day contract to retire with the team.

44 minutes ago

Seattle Mariners Julio Rodriguez...

Brandon Gustafson

Mariners Notebook: ‘Consistent pressure’ theme for lineup in 2024

Scott Servais expects big things from the Seattle Mariners' lineup in 2024, as he shared ahead of their opener against the Boston Red Sox.

4 hours ago

Seattle Mariners lineup Julio Rodríguez...

Brent Stecker

See the first Mariners lineup of 2024 for opening day vs Red Sox

The Seattle Mariners' batting order for opening day of the 2024 MLB season against Boston showcases an improved amount of length.

7 hours ago

baseball movie Kevin Costner Field of Dreams...

Brent Stecker

Top 10: Who are the best baseball movie actors of all-time?

To determine the top 10 actors of baseball movie history, we limit the list to those who acted in as least two baseball movies.

8 hours ago

Seattle Mariners roster J.P. Crawford...

Brent Stecker

Seattle Mariners announce opening day 26-man roster

The Seattle Mariners have announced their 26-man roster for opening day of the 2024 season as well as players starting on the IL.

11 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh...

Shannon Drayer

Mariners’ young core, now veterans, fueled by last year’s letdown

Falling back can be a part of growing up, and for the once young core of the Seattle Mariners, it is now part of their DNA.

12 hours ago

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