Mariners Select Chris Herrmann’s contract from AAA Tacoma, option C David Freitas to AAA, Taylor Motter DFA’d
The Mariners have selected catcher/outfielder Chris Herrmann from Triple-A, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times tweets. The club sent fellow catcher David Freitas to Triple-A in a corresponding 25-man move, though the Mariners still needed to create a 40-man spot for Herrmann. He previously played in the majors with the Twins (2012-15) and Diamondbacks (2016-17), combining for a .202/.278/.344 line in 811 plate appearances. Herrmann remained with the D-backs organization through the offseason, but they released him in late March and he quickly hooked on with the Mariners on a minor league pact. Herrmann earned his promotion to the Mariners with a solid offensive showing in Tacoma, where he opened 2018 with a .266/.424/.444 line and six home runs across 177 PAs in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Freitas was kept as the backup catcher Mike Marjama, but has struggled since that decision was made, as he’s hitting a poor .102 in 49 at bats.
The Mariners have designated infielder Taylor Motter for assignment, the team announced. His 40-man roster spot will go to catcher/outfielder Chris Herrmann, whom they selected from Triple-A Tacoma. Motter has been with the Mariners organization since they acquired him from the Rays in November 2016, though he may now be on his way to another franchise. The 28-year-old Motter hasn’t impressed offensively since debuting in 2016, having recorded a .201/.272/.334 line in 397 trips to the plate. Motter brings defensive versatility, though, with major league experience at every position but catcher (including one appearance as a pitcher).
EDIT: Motter has been claimed by the Minnesota Twins.
