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After their first offday in nearly three weeks, the Mariners made a small flurry of roster moves:
The #Mariners announced today the following roster moves:
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) August 14, 2020
· Brady Lail, RHP, added to active roster.
· Joe Odom, C, recalled from alternate training site.
· Taylor Guilbeau, LHP, optioned to alternate training site, and will remain with the club on the Taxi Squad.
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· Joe Hudson, C, optioned to alternate training site, and will remain with the club on the Taxi Squad.
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) August 14, 2020
· Patrick Wisdom, INF, placed on unconditional release waivers for the purpose of granting his unconditional release.
Read: https://t.co/xuplWL2yO5
Brady Lail, who Seattle claimed from the White Sox on Monday, arrives with just four big league innings under his belt. John took a look at him upon his arrival, and he brings an intriguing slider/cutter, a four-seamer at 88-92 but with exceptional spin, and a big 12-6 curve to the table. At 27, Lail is a little older for a reliever with so little Major League experience, but he could see plenty of time in middle or long relief. He takes the place of lefty Taylor Guilbeau, who’s allowed one run over 5.1 low leverage innings. Unfortunately, he’s walked one more than he’s struck out in that span, and the ground balls that made him an interesting arm last season have dried up so far. In any case, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him back up sometime soon - after all, somebody has to ride the AAA-MLB shuttle.
There’s been a backup catcher swap, as well - Joe Odom returns to Seattle after being optioned nearly two weeks ago, with Joe Hudson returning to the taxi squad. Odom went just 0-4 with a walk in his two games of MLB action, but showcased plus framing and brings familiarity to young pitchers Justus Sheffield and Justin Dunn, both of whom he worked closely with in Double-A Arkansas in 2019. Hudson hasn’t fared much better at the plate, slashing just .125/.222/.125 in nineteen plate appearances to go with subpar defense. Here’s hoping that Odom can notch his first hit!
Finally, Patrick Wisdom was granted his release. Although he spawned plenty of discussion over the offseason and the beginnings of spring training, his advanced age and questionable defense led many to scratch their heads at his value to the current roster. It certainly wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility that a team hurting for corner infield depth snaps him up, but at 28 and owning just a career 91 wRC+ in the Majors, it’s unlikely he’d be competing for anything more than a bench job.