The Mariners announced today that they have inked a MLB pact with right-handed hurler Ruben Alaniz. He’ll take the 33rd spot on the club’s 40-man roster, leaving plenty of room still to work with.
Alaniz, 27, has not yet received a shot at the majors. The nine-year minor-league veteran has mostly toiled without fanfare. Originally signed by the Astros, he pitched for two years in the Tigers system before joining the Rays on a minors pact last winter.
Evidently, Alaniz did enough in 2018 to convince the M’s he is worthy of a MLB roster spot — for the time being at least. He threw 42 2/3 innings of 3.38 ERA ball with 53 strikeouts and 16 walks over 31 appearances, most of which came at the Triple-A level.
While he’ll still have to show he’s worthy of holding onto a 40-man placement, Alaniz will now enter camp with a real shot at earning a chance to pitch in the majors out of camp, or at least take up a place on the club’s relief depth chart. The Seattle organization inked another minor-league free agent, infielder Dylan Moore, to a major-league contract earlier this winter.
This is one of those journeyman stories that even if you’re a rival of the team, you want it to turn out well
Another impressive offseason signing by Jerry. This will really excite the fan base.
Love to see these kind of guys make it. It’s like the bag boy becoming the store manager 25 years later…..
Master DiPoto does it again! World Series in 2019!! REFUSE TO LOSE BABY!!!
Cheap bullpen help and he could be around for a while as a cheap bullpen option.
Nice to see Ruben finally might get a shot.
Guy has a sweet beard
Why a major league contract for a guy who has never played in the majors??
That’s what I’m wondering. I’m guessing everyone offered minor league money / roster spot so this helps change all of that.
let’s hope he lays off the pot enough to not get suspended for a third time