Mariners officially sign RHP Steve Cishek, DFA Rob Rasmussen
Dec 14, 2015, 10:43 AM | Updated: 12:21 pm
New Mariners reliever Steve Cishek had a 1.75 ERA over his final 40 appearances in 2015. (AP)
(AP)
BY
Seattle Sports
The Mariners announced the signing of right-handed reliever Steve Cishek to a two-year deal on Monday morning, designating left-handed reliever Rob Rasmussen for assignment to create room for him on the 40-man roster.
“Steve gives us a proven bullpen presence with significant experience closing games,” Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a press release. “He’s a character guy who adds a new angle and fresh look to our pen.”
Dipoto later told reporters in a conference call that Cishek will enter 2016 as the Mariners’ closer.
Cishek’s deal has been reported to be worth $10 million with incentives that could take it up to $17 million.
The 29 year old has a career 2.82 ERA in 313 innings, and he amassed 73 total saves as the Miami Marlins’ closer in 2013 and 2014. In 2015, Cishek had a 3.58 ERA and 48 strikeouts over 59 appearances (55 1/3 innings) combined for the Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals. Over his final 40 relief appearances, he had a 1.75 ERA and 31 strikeouts over 36 innings.
Rasmussen was acquired by the Mariners in the Mark Lowe trade with Toronto in July. He had a 10.67 ERA in 19 appearances (14 1/3 innings) for Seattle in 2015. The Mariners now have 10 days to trade, release or outright Rasmussen to the minors.
