Mariners get Alex Colome, Denard Span in trade with Rays
Scott Boeck
Still two months before the deadline, the Seattle Mariners struck first in the trade market in a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, the teams announced Friday.
The Mariners, seeking their first postseason appearance since 2001 – the longest in the majors – received reliever Alex Colome and outfielder Denard Span from the Rays for right-handed pitcher Andrew Moore and minor league pitcher Tommy Romero.
"This is a trade that makes us a more complete club in the present while also offering impact beyond this season,” said Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto in a written statement.
“Alex Colomé brings an all-star resume, fortifying what we believe is an already solid back end of the bullpen. Denard Span adds length to our lineup as a steady and smart player with consistent on-base skills in addition to a veteran presence that enhances our environment.”
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Colome, who is 2-5 with 4.15 ERA, served as the Rays closer the past three seasons. He's converted his last 10 save opportunities for 11 this season.
Span, a career .288 hitter, of 11 MLB seasons, gives the Mariners an experienced left-handed bat in the lineup. He is batting .238 with 27 runs scored in 43 games.
The Mariners, 29-20 heading into Friday night, are three games back of the Houston Astros in the AL West. The lost their leadoff hitter Dee Gordon to a fractured toe this week and All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano to an 80-game suspension.
