Jean Segura has been the Mariners second-best hitter so far this season, and their most consistent producer. Unfortunately a hamstring strain, described as “mild” by Scott Servais, forced the short-benched Mariners to make a roster move.
Jean Segura placed on the 10-day DL, Mike Freeman selected from Tacoma. LHP Paul Friday DFA
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) April 11, 2017
Segura’s injury should be able to heal fully with a little over a week of rest, but it is a shame they’ll be without him for any stretch of time. If his injury is really as mild as it’s described, it is plausible that he would be healthy in less time than the DL stint will demand. Unfortunately, since the Mariners are working with a three man bench of Taylor Motter, Guillermo Heredia, and Carlos Ruiz, they would be left with Ruiz as the closest thing to a backup infielder if they risked avoiding a roster move. As a result, Mike Freeman is here.
Freeman had moments of excellence last year. His diving catch in the Toronto series saved the game as the Mariners would go on to win in extra innings. He had clutch hits in the final series of the season and was serviceable as a utility player. In an organization with Taylor Motter and Shawn O’Malley, however, Freeman faced long odds, and was DFA’d this spring, removing him from the 40-man roster and placing him in Tacoma. Freeman has a career line of .314/.375/.423 in just shy of 1,200 PAs in AAA, but as a 29 year-old utility man with next to no power he’ll hopefully be limited to pinch running and maybe a single start. At least his LinkedIn will get an update.
Freeman takes the 40-man spot of LHP Paul Fry, whose work as a reliever was solid last year in AAA. His 26.6% K% in 55.0 IP is unfortunately dragged down by a 12.7% BB%. With James Pazos looking legit, Marc Rzepczynski on an MLB contract, and Dillon Overton available as well, there was no immediate need for Fry. Hopefully he will clear waivers, as he still likely can be a valuable player if/when the bullpen suffers injuries. At minimum, he inspired our favorite offseason game: Guess Who - Paul Fry Edition.
Best of luck to him.
Get well soon, Jean.