The Seattle Mariners had an open spot on their 40-man roster.
With a playoff push underway, there was no reason to keep things that way, and they've filled the spot.
The Mariners announced that they've claimed right-handed pitcher Domingo Gonzalez off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. They've assigned Gonzalez to Triple-A Tacoma.
Gonzalez is a promising 25-year old reliever who has yet to make his MLB debut.
The biggest draw of Gonzalez is his strikeout ability.
In 2024, he struck out 14.2 batters per nine innings between Double-A and Triple-A. His combined ERA last season was 2.91.
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Gonzalez hasn't quite replicated that this season, and that's why the Braves removed him from their own 40-man roster. He has a 4.29 ERA in 35 Triple-A appearances with 39 strikeouts in 42 innings.
In his minor league career, Gonzalez has a 4.13 ERA and has struck out 10.5 batters per nine innings.
He began his professional career in the Pirates' organization and made it as high as Double-A in the Pittsburgh system.
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He joined the Braves beginning in the 2023 season and pushed himself to the verge of the majors but hasn't yet gotten a call.
The Mariners are likely hoping Gonzalez can provide depth that they don't ever need, but as the stretch run hits, it's not a bad thing to have another reliever waiting in the wings in case a call to the minor league bullpen is needed to fill a roster spot.
Seattle knows Gonzalez can strike people out, and that's a great skill to have in a pinch.
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