The Mariners announced Monday that they’ve claimed righty Robert Dugger off waivers from the Marlins. Seattle also lost righty Ian Hamilton to the Phillies and righty Walker Lockett to the Blue Jays.
Dugger, 25, was an 18th-round pick of the Mariners back in 2016 but landed in Miami as part of the package that sent Dee Strange-Gordon to Seattle. He’s made a handful of appearances with the Fish over the past two seasons but hasn’t found much success, posting a 7.40 ERA and a 29-to-20 K/BB ratio in 45 innings. Dugger’s struggles have persisted in Triple-A, although he had a solid track record up through the Double-A level, where he owns a 3.60 ERA with 9.0 K/9 against 2.9 BB/9 in 180 innings of work.
Lack of track record in the Majors and Triple-A not withstanding, Dugger gives the Mariners an optionable piece of rotation depth — perhaps one they feel will benefit from a change of scenery. Dugger also saw a pronounced jump in his four-seam fastball velocity from 2019 to 2020 (90.3 mph to 92.1 mph) and in his heater’s spin rate (2191 rpm to 2321 rpm), so perhaps the Mariners believe they can help him build upon those positive indicators.
surprised the Marlins let him go
His era is over 7 and he doesn’t get strikeouts. I don’t think it’s a big surprise the Marlins let him go.
he was also just recently a solid prospect who put up strong minors numbers.
He definitely has potential, but I think his ceiling is as a middle reliever, so the Marlins probably don’t want to wait for him to develop when they can just go out and sign guys in free agency who have better track records.
Darkside830- ….oh! ….You were serious about that!? This guy will just be another organizational depth piece. Tacoma bound
What a catch
It’s not as surprising as people would think. He was erratic. The only thing surprising is that they gave up on him so quickly. Considering they are still rebuilding, I would’ve given him another look based on his age.
All of the many, many, many members of the Dugger family will be interested in this news.
To be read in Jim Gaffigan side voice:
“Hey, I’m part of that family!”
Duggar could become a solid middle reliever… definitely not a starter type.
Has anyone read or heard any substantial news about Dee Strange-Gordon, where he might fit, or even play?
I know Dee will most likely have to settle for a minor-league contract if he gets one at all. Just curious to hear whether anyone’s seeing him as a viable bench player, at 2B or anywhere else on the diamond.
Agentx- you will not receive much positivity from Mariners fans. Frankly Dee has been a huge disappointment. He strikes out way too much- not a good quality for slap hitter who hits singles. He’s not even reliable on bunts anymore and he doesn’t get on base enough to steal a bag. Other than that he’s been great.
Thanks, ayrbhoy. I was afraid that had been the case.
Dee got off to such a promising start down here in LA, but as we all know that was a long time, a PED suspension, and multiple mediocre-or-worse seasons ago.
I hear the Blue Jays are interested
Nicely done, HAL. Nicely done.
Lmao
Maaaan, All the OOTP 100s are being chased down brutally. Protect Ron Guidry at all costs!
Mariners should have just kept Ian Hamilton instead of doing this.