The Seattle Mariners are amongst the contenders for a wildcard berth in the American League. To help with pitching they acquired Mike Leake a right-hander from St. Louis, the two teams announced late Wednesday.
In exchange, St. Louis received Rayder Ascanio a shortstop in the minors leagues, international cap space of $750,000 as well as cash considerations.
Jerry Dipoto the general manager for the Mariners said that Leake give them a starter with experience that will help us navigate toward a spot in the playoffs this season.
Leake is joining a Seattle rotation which has been struggling to get quality starts over the last month, while grappling with injuries to Felix Hernandez and James Paxton.
Leake at this time is 7-12 with an ERA of 4.21 and a proven veteran. However, he has been struggling for the Cardinals since returning from the All-Star break with a record of 1-5 and an ERA of 6.90 in his 9 starts dating back to July 14.
Dipoto said Seattle’s plan for Leake is for him to start for the first time over the weekend when the Mariners will be at home and playing Oakland.
As soon as everything was fine to let the players known Dipoto said they were very positive. Scott Servais the manager of the Mariners said the players know what they need to do and anyone that is able to come in and pitch a bit deeper into a game for the team is what we are looking for.
Leake is signed through 2020 with an option year in 2021. He signed a five-year $80 million deal prior to the start of last season.
St, Louis is also including $17 million in this trade to help offset Leake’s salary over the upcoming three seasons.
The trade arrives prior to the deadline of Thursday for team to acquire players and have them eligible for the playoffs.
Seattle is 66-68 and 3 ½ games behind in the race for the second and final wildcard in the AL, after it was swept by Baltimore ending a road trip at 5-7.
St. Louis is 5 ½ games behind in the wildcard race in the National League. Leake for his career is 80-76 with an ERA of 4.02.
