Seattle, WA
Seattle Mariners claim ex-Astros reliever, place RHP on IL
The Seattle Mariners added a former division rival and placed a candidate for their big league bullpen on the injured list Sunday.
The Mariners claimed right-handed pitcher Seth Martinez off waivers from the Miami Marlins. Meanwhile, right-hander Jackson Kowar was placed on the 60-day IL as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery.
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The moves keep Seattle’s 40-man roster full.
Martinez, a 30-year-old reliever, spent the past four seasons with the Houston Astros. In 44 appearances last season, he posted a 3-2 record, 3.59 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 36 strikeouts and 18 walks over 52 2/3 innings pitched.
The Arizona State product’s best season came in 2022 when had 2.09 ERA over 38 2/3 innings in 29 games. Martinez is 6-6 with a 3.93 ERA over 137 1/3 career innings in the big leagues.
This is the third time Martinez has been claimed off waivers this offseason. He was claimed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in November and the Marlins in February.
Kowar, a former first-round pick, pitched in two spring training games last year before undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He was acquired last offseason alongside right-hander Cole Phillips in a deal that sent outfielder Jarred Kelenic, left-hander Marco Gonzales and first baseman Evan White to the Atlanta Braves.
Kowar threw bullpen sessions early this spring, but isn’t expected to be ready until at least late May, Seattle Sports’ Mariners insider Shannon Drayer reported on social media.
In 39 career games (eight starts) over three seasons, Kowar is 2-6 with a 9.12 ERA.
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