Bullpen overhaul complete as Gearrin claimed
SEATTLE -- Mariners veteran reliever Cory Gearrin, the last remaining member of the bullpen that opened the season with Seattle, was claimed off waivers by the Yankees on Friday.
The move opens a roster spot for Seattle to promote rookie left-hander Justus Sheffield, who will make his first Major League start Friday night against the Blue Jays at T-Mobile Park.
The Mariners will still need to make another move when they bring Felix Hernandez off the 60-day injured list to start Saturday night’s game against Toronto.
Gearrin signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Mariners in January and posted a 3.92 ERA in 41 1/3 innings over 48 appearances, including two starts as an opener.
The Mariners had been going with nine relievers in their bullpen and a four-man rotation since trading Mike Leake on July 31, but they needed to add a fifth starter this week and recalled the 23-year-old Sheffield on Friday from Double-A Arkansas.
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Gearrin will become a free agent at the end of this season, and the Mariners chose to stick with younger relievers who could be part of their future.
The 33-year-old right-hander had pitched well of late, allowing just one run and three hits in seven innings over his last seven outings, with three walks and six strikeouts. He gives the Yankees another bullpen option as they battle with the Astros for the best record in the American League.
Gearrin has pitched eight seasons in the Majors with the Giants, Braves, Rangers, A’s and Mariners, compiling a 3.59 ERA over 318 outings.