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The Mariners get back one more piece of their projected Opening Day lineup today, and it’s a big one.
Mariners have activated C Mike Zunino from the 10-day DL and optioned Mike Marjama to Class AAA Tacoma (post-game April 19).
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) April 20, 2018
Catcher Mike Zunino, who tied for third in the majors among catchers in fWAR last season at 3.6, joins the team today as they open a 10-game road trip, starting with Rangers lefty Mike Minor tonight.
The corresponding move came as a bit of a surprise, as Mike Marjama—who left spring training as the M’s backup catcher—was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma.
Mariners execute a Mike drop today.
— Ashley MacLennan (@90feetfromhome) April 20, 2018
David Freitas, who the Mariners claimed off waivers from the Atlanta Braves in October, grades out as the superior defender of the two, and he’s also been impressive with the bat, posting a wRC+ of 122 through 31 at-bats on the young season. Signs seemed to point towards this move yesterday, as Freitas became the first of that catching tandem to receive starts on back-to-back days, and he responded with a double that plated a run.
Marjama figures to become the everyday catcher down in Tacoma, likely ticketing backstop Garrett Kennedy for Arkansas, as Chris Herrmann figures to take the reigns on the backup role for the Rainiers.