Mariners add a lefty to bullpen, lose another in Charlie Furbush

The Mariners have added another arm to the spring training assortment, claiming left-handed reliever Dean Kiekhefer off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals. With the move the 40-man roster is now at 36.

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Kiekhefer, 27, made his MLB debut in 2016, throwing 22 innings in 26 games and posting a 5.32 ERA. He limited left-handed batters to a .209 average. With the exception of one start, Kiekhefer was used exclusively in relief in seven minor league seasons, going 20-16 with a 2.65 ERA in 264 games. He has allowed just 34 walks over his last 286.1 innings dating back to 2012. Over that stretch his 5.82 strikeout to walk ratio is tied for the second best in the minor leagues.

In other Mariners news, left-handed pitcher Charlie Furbush and catcher Steve Clevenger have declined their assignments to Triple-A and declared free agency. Both had cleared waivers and been assigned to Tacoma earlier in the week.  Ryan Cook, who was also assigned to Triple-A and is eligible to refuse his assignment, has yet to inform the club of his decision.