Mariners acquire LHP Mike Kickham from Chicago Cubs

SEATTLE, Wash. - Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today the club has acquired left-handed pitcher Mike Kickham (kick-uhm) from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league RHP Lars Huijer (pronounced higher).

To make room on the 40-man roster for Kickham, LHP Anthony Fernandez has been designated for assignment. The Mariners 40-man roster remains full at 40 players.

Kickham, 26, has spent his entire career in the San Francisco Giants organization prior to being claimed off waivers by the Cubs on Dec. 23, 2014. He was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Jan. 9 when they signed OF Chris Denorfia.

Pitching primarily with AAA Fresno last season, Kickham went 8-8 with a 4.43 ERA (73 ER, 148.1 IP) in 27 starts. Amongst Pacific Coast League leaders the left-hander ranked tied for 4th in strikeouts (131), 4th in games started (27) and 7th in innings pitched (148.1). In limited big league action with the Giants over the last two seasons is 0-3 with a 10.98 ERA.

Kickham was originally selected by the Giants in the 6th round of the 2010 June draft out of Missouri State University.

Huijer, 21, went 6-9 with a 5.08 ERA in 28 games (24 starts) with A Clinton and A High Desert last season. The Dutch native has combined to go 17-17 with a 4.48 ERA in five minor league seasons. He was signed by the Mariners as a non-drafted free agent on June 1, 2011.

Fernandez, 24, went 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA (11 ER, 25.2 IP) in 5 starts with AAA Tacoma last season before going on the disabled list with a left elbow injury. He had season-ending "Tommy John" surgery on his left elbow May 22 performed by Dr. James Andrews.