Leonys Martin clears waivers, sent to Triple-A by Mariners
Apr 27, 2017, 12:32 PM
Outfielder Leonys Martin will look to regain his swing in Triple-A Tacoma after clearing waivers. (AP)
(AP)
Leonys Martin is still a member of the Seattle Mariners franchise.
The 29-year-old outfielder cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma after being designated for assignment last Sunday, which keeps some valuable outfield depth in Seattle’s system with Mitch Haniger having landed on the disabled list with an oblique strain he suffered Tuesday.
As a player with no minor league options left, Martin had to first clear waivers – therefore making him available to other teams – before being demoted to the minors.
A key member of the Mariners in 2016, his first with the team, Martin struggled out of gate this season. He made an adjustment to his approach at the plate over the offseason, the notable change being that he lowered his hands in his batting stance. He didn’t see much success in spring training or early on in the regular season, however, even after going back to an approach more similar to what he used last season. So despite being a strong defensive presence in center field and one of Seattle’s speedier players on the bases, Martin was designated for assignment after going just 6 for 54 (.111) with three walks, a double, five runs and no RBIs over 15 games.
Also on Thursday, Seattle activated relief pitcher Rob Whalen from the 10-day DL for right shoulder inflammation and optioned him to Triple-A. A 23-year-old right-hander, Whalen was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in an offseason trade.
