The Mariners have signed right-hander Justin Grimm to their Triple-A Tacoma roster, according to a report from Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto (Twitter link). Grimm has already been placed on Tacoma’s disabled list, which could indicate that he is still dealing with the shoulder impingement issue that led to his presence on the Royals’ disabled list earlier this season. Grimm was still on the DL when Kansas City released him earlier this month.
Between the shoulder injury and an earlier back problem that also required a DL stint, it has been a miserable year for Grimm both health- and performance-wise. The 29-year-old posted an ugly 13.50 ERA and 14 walks over just 12 2/3 innings out of the Royals’ bullpen. He had around $600K remaining on his $1.25MM deal at the time of his release, so the Royals will cover the bulk of that total, with the Mariners only owing him the prorated portion of a league minimum salary.
It wasn’t long ago that Grimm was a very useful relief arm for the Cubs, as he posted a 3.36 ERA, 10.6 K/9, and 2.66 K/BB rate over 171 1/3 frames out of Chicago’s bullpen from 2014-16. Given his low price tag, the Mariners can afford to take a flier on the veteran to see if he get healthy and regain any of his old form, which would give Seattle an extra bit of bullpen depth.
For the Mariners sake he should never see major league action
Wait. Even though he signed a minor league deal he gets the major league minimum?
Or is that only if he gets called up? Mark?
He had good numbers a couple years ago. Last year was good too if you could take away all those home runs. Hopefully someone’s helps him out.
I know the inclination for some fans is to declare this a great depth move – low cost, low risk……genius, right? And it is a good depth move until you call him up and understand why Grimm got the bum’s rush outta Chicago and KC. (pssssssst: the world kept secret in the majors is that Justin Grimm is ineffective, but that’s just between you and me *wink*wink*)
Can the Mariners take Brandon Maurer too? Please!
I liked Grimm a lot. As a Cubs fan I remember him getting some clutch outs in the 15 and 16 playoffs. He was always on and off with his control, but when he got his control working he’s great.