The Seattle Mariners announced that they have made room for starting pitcher Joe Saunders by designating for assignment first baseman Mike Carp. Saunders reached an agreement with the team late last week on a one-year deal. The deal was dependent on Saunders passing a physical. The Mariners made the move to part ways with Carp as a result.
Carp has hit 255/.327/.413 with 18 home runs in 608 plate appearances in his four years with the Mariners. Carp’s best year was 2011 when he hit .276/.326/.466 with 12 home runs in 313 plate appearances for the Mariners and .343/.411/.649 with 21 home runs in 286 plate appearances at Triple-A.
Carp was perhaps caught in a number s game adding several players at first base and designated hitter, including Kendrys Morales, Michael Morse, Raul Ibanez and Jason Bay. Carp, 26, should draw plenty of interest and it is unlikely to see him pass through waivers unclaimed. Among the teams that would likely have interest is the Boston Red Sox, who have been seeking a left-handed hitting first baseman.
Carp was philosophical about his release, “I won’t get to play for Seattle again and that’s a shame,” he said. “I loved it up there in the Northwest. I consider myself fortunate to have played there. Not too many guys can say they have four years in at the big league level already starting at age 22. I still feel I have a lot to offer. I’m just getting started.”
