New York Mets DFA Intriguing Reliever, Seattle Mariners Should Be Interested
In a surprise move, the New York Mets have designated hard-throwing right-hander Shintaro Fujinami for assignment.
RHP Eric Orze has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.
RHP Shintaro Fujinami has been reinstated from the IL and designated for assignment.
RHP Eric Orze has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 26, 2024
RHP Shintaro Fujinami has been reinstated from the IL and designated for assignment.
The 30-year-old Fujinami hasn't pitched yet this season because of injury but he is healthy now.
Now, his major league numbers are generally poor but the Seattle Mariners should probably be willing to inquire about what it would take to get him. Given that the M's bullpen is in tatters right now, Fujinami is an intriguing candidate. He has a 7.18 ERA in one major league season, but he posted a 4.85 ERA after a trade to the Baltimore Orioles last season. He's also proven to be better as a reliever than a starter and posted a .193 batting average against with the Orioles. He's also struck out 83 batters in 79.0 major league innings, flashing supreme velocity in the upper-90s.
He struck out 20 batters in 16.1 minor league rehab innings this year as well, though he had an ERA over 10 in Triple-A, which certainly could lead to some trepidation for the Mariners.
If the M's bullpen was firing on all cylinders, they probably wouldn't be interested but given that Matt Brash is out for the year and that Gregory Santos injured his knee on Wednesday, and that Trent Thornton and Ryne Stanek have struggled lately, there's room in that 'pen for newcomers.
Seattle has also been good generally at turning afterthought relievers into successful big leaguers.
The Mariners play the Chicago White Sox on Friday at 5:10 p.m. PT.
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