TODAY: Zunino will get the call, GM Jerry Dipoto tells Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio (Twitter link). He’ll be looking to make good on his top-quality prospect pedigree and big-time power.
[Related: Updated Mariners Depth Chart]
YESTERDAY: Mariners catcher Steve Clevenger has been diagnosed with a break to the third metacarpal in his right hand, as MLB.com’s Greg Johns was among those to tweet. He was struck by a foul ball behind the dish in tonight’s game.
Clevenger, 30, was acquired over the winter in exchange for Mark Trumbo. He hasn’t quite produced at the rate of the slugger he was dealt for, but he’s a useful receiver — particularly since he hits from the left side. Over 76 plate appearances on the year, he owns a sub-optimal .221/.303/.309 slash while serving as a backup for Chris Iannetta.
Seattle does have multiple options in the organization. Former regular Mike Zunino, who is still just 25, has been quite productive at Triple-A, with a .282/.366/.516 batting line and 15 long balls in 287 trips to the plate.
If the club decides it isn’t quite ready to give Zunino its next shot, it could look to either Steve Baron or Rob Brantly. The former — who like Zunino is 25 years of age and resides on the 40-man roster — is currently playing at Double-A. Brantly has a fair bit of MLB experience, though he too is a younger option. But he’d require a 40-man spot.
I saw the video of this play, and it didn’t look good. I used to be a catcher and was always taught to hold my bare hand behind my back or relaxed on the side, yet clevenger had it resting on his knee right next to his glove. Tough break (no pun intended), maybe Zunino gets another chance and makes the most of it
I really hope Zunino isn’t the move here. I still think he has a decent chance to be a future starting catcher, but he needs to continue making adjustments in AAA. Dipoto has all but said he wants him to complete a full AAA season, plus sitting behind Iannetta on the bench does us no good. Brantly or Baron, please. Let Zunino keep plugging away in Tacoma.
I would love to see Brantley get another shot to produce. Especially since he’s lefty-hitting. I always thought he’d amount to a pretty decent catcher with regular playing time.
I agree with that statement
didn’t clevenger break his hand last year doing the same thing?
I noticed McCann on the tigers doing the same thing a couple games ago but it wasn’t every pitch Wonder if they just forget or something to do with being ready to throw when runner is on.
Will send AJ your way Seattle.
Ouch
First traded for Jake Arrieta…then Mark Trumbo…I think teams should be weary trading for him in the future as their spare parts will become studs!!
Haha! This made me laugh!
Was the Trumbo trade just a cash dump? I know Trumbo had a slump for awhile, but for a guy hitting .221/.303/.309?
Last year he was arguably the best backup catcher in the mlb
Last year Clevenger had a .287/.314/.426 triple slash in around 100 ABs, so he was more productive in 2015. I think it was still somewhat of a cash dump too though on Seattles part.
Mariners get in the Lucroy sweepstakes? He’d be a huge upgrade and they might be able to come up with a package.(Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Unsworth, Zunino) that could interest Brewers.
Steve “The Pride of Pigtown” Clevenger! I hope he gets back to 100% soon. I always liked him when he was in Baltimore.
My son and i were talking about this before it happened. He caught in HS and was taught to keep his hand back to protect it. Then he got hit pretty ugly.
Like said before hopefully Zunino stays down and keeps doing well in AAA unless they feel he will come up and be the everyday starter which i doubt. Bring up one of the other guys and let Zunino keep on track to comeback next year and be the everyday guy.
I also don’t see them getting in on Lucroy, like discussed with Marte this is not a spot that is our biggest need. We need OF help and someone better than Lind at 1st/DH. Why waste any of our minor league guys we will trade on a spot that could be a minor upgrade and not a spot that will be a bigger upgrade?
To expand on what I meant Lucroy would be a big upgrade but catcher is not our biggest need. If we could improve Lind and Seth Smith it would be better. Smith is doing OK but her really scares me.