Mariners Moose Tracks, 3/14/22: Steven Souza Jr, Nelson Cruz, and Josh Donaldson

In Mariners news...

• Checking in on Kyle Seager...

• Pitching prospect Emerson Hancock has been shut down from throwing after suffering a minor lat strain three weeks ago.

• What a beautiful sight.

• The Mariners’ 40-man major league roster is now at 38 players after catcher Jose Godoy has been claimed off of waivers by the San Francisco Giants and LHP Aaron Fletcher has been claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Free agent outfielder Steven Souza Jr. has been signed to a minor league deal for some added outfield depth.
• Two years after his Tommy John surgery, RHP Matt Festa is a new version of himself with cleaned up mechanics and a new knowledge of who he is as a pitcher, as he looks to pitch his way back to a spot in the bullpen.
• Brent Stecker catches up with Jerry Dipoto and Scott Servais on their opinions about the newest rule changes such as the shift ban and pitch clock.

Around the league...

• MLB has confirmed that IL stints and options will be moved back to 15 days instead of 10.

• MLB will keep its COVID IL this year for players with positives tests, symptoms, and close contacts.

• The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed infielder Hanser Alberto to a one-year deal with a club option for 2023, adding depth to their bench.
• Right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino has agreed to a one-year/$4 million deal with up to $1 million in performance bonuses.
• The Minnesota Twins have acquired RHP Sonny Gray and minor league RHP Francis Peguero from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for pitching prospect Chase Petty, the Twins’ first round pick in last year’s draft.
• Free agent 1B/OF Ronald Guzman has agreed to a minor league contract with the New York Yankees that includes an invite to big league spring training.
• Veteran free agent Nelson Cruz has signed a one-year/$15 million deal with the Washington Nationals.
• The San Francisco Giants have signed RHP Carlos Martinez to a minor league deal with $2.5 million guaranteed if he makes the major league roster.
• The Yankees and Twins were involved in a blockbuster deal last night that brought Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Ben Rortvedt to the Yankees in exchange for Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela.

Becca’s picks...

• Tom Brady has announced that he will return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for his 23rd NFL season.