The Mariners announced today that they have activated outfielder Taylor Trammell from the injured list, with right-hander Easton McGee headed for the 15-day IL with a right forearm strain in a corresponding move. Trammell had surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone in his right hand back in February.
A former top prospect, the 25-year old Trammell has struggled to this point in his big league career. During his first stint in the majors in 2021, Trammell slashed just .160/.256/.359 in 178 plate appearances, with a ghastly 42.1% strikeout rate. Both Trammell’s slash line and strikeout rate improved in 2022, however, has he pulled his wRC+ to nearly league average (97) in 117 plate appearances last season while striking out a more palatable 28.2% of the time. Unfortunately, Trammell’s 2022 campaign was cut short by a hamstring strain, leaving him with just 65 games played last year between the majors and Triple-A.
Despite his uneven MLB career to this point, Trammell has continued to demolish Triple-A pitching, with a phenomenal .285/.377/.495 slash line and a 20.6% strikeout rate in 101 games at the level. Now back with the big league club, Trammell figures to factor into the club’s outfield and DH mix, though with Jarred Kelenic off to a torrid start and Julio Rodriguez and Teoscar Hernandez both entrenched in the outfield on an everyday basis, Trammell may be left to compete with Sam Haggerty and AJ Pollock for DH at-bats.
Making room for Trammell on the active roster is McGee, who heads to the injured list with a forearm strain. The 25-year-old McGee made his big league debut with the Rays last season, posting three scoreless innings, but was designated for assignment by the club last offseason. He was then claimed on waivers by the Red Sox before being shipped to Seattle in exchange for Cash ahead of the 2023 campaign. McGee made his first appearance with the Mariners in a start against the Blue Jays yesterday, where he delivered 6 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just a hit and a walk while striking out two.
AdmiralPatton
That’s definitely a phantom IL for Easton Mcgee. I’m pretty sure they don’t need a fifth starter for the next two weeks so pretty convenient timing.
Stevil
No, it isn’t. That would make zero sense for Seattle. If they had optioned him, he could come back in 10 days, or even faster if there is an injury. Placing him on the IL prevents them from using him until the 15 days have passed, and because he isn’t on the 60-day IL, it makes no difference on the 40..
bengalsmarinersfan13
That makes absolutely no sense why they would do that
Ace_
Anyone remember Randy Johnson?
Jesse Chavez enthusiast
The name sounds familiar but I’m not quite sure. Wasn’t he cousin Eddie in the “vacation” movies?
Ace_
Pitcher. Left handed.
Jesse Chavez enthusiast
I was close though!! (Kidding of course:)) top 5 pitcher all time?
oscar gamble
Pretty good start for an “injured “ guy…..
dannycore
I don’t understand how you can drop Easton from the 26 and add Trammell. Doesn’t it have to be 13/13 hitters/pitchers?
AHH-Rox
The 13 pitchers is a maximum. They can carry 12 pitchers, or even fewer, if they want.
GarryHarris
Does this feel like a desperation move?
Fred Park
When a team is snakebit like the Mariners, it doesn’t matter what they do.
They bring up Taylor Trammell and he hits a grand slam. Yes! And it’s 4-0 Mariners!
But it makes no difference.
By the 3rd, the score is 8-4 in favor of the enemy and our wonderful Marco Gonxzales is used up.
Snakebit. Gonna get even worse.
What’s the cure?
Not even Yogi could answer that one.
hllywdjff
Let’s not use wonderful and Gonzales in the same sentence ever…
Fred Park
I used it sarcastically, hllywdjff.
My theory is that when I raved in favor of the Mariners, they lost.
And kept losing.
So now I will rave against the Mariners. Reverse jinx, you see.
I hope it works.
Fred Park
Or maybe I’ll just shut up.
Then everybody is blessed.
How would everybody like that?
Brandon11 2
And then win the ballgame anyway. Mariners baseball TM
rizdakc99
Not sure an .872 OPS in the PCL is “phenomenal.” He’s a AAAA guy, at some point he’lll age out of the majors.
lee cousins
Trammell has a game day for the M’s. though the game still was in jeopardy. I can’t imagine them losing this one, equally I couldn’t imagine them winning this one, so the improbable win took shape. The M’s are still a disjointed team this game being a microcosm of their rollercoaster ride. I expect things will get better but then all is not well, some continued tweaking will be needed, as expected the hitting was circumspect this will probably get sorted out internally before looking elsewhere.
Even after losing Ray the pitching should remain strong despite hiccups with Flex, and Gonzales. This rumor of Flex getting traded is all but ended this appears to be a misstep at least for the time being. This crystal ball must have been thrown out.
Fred Park
Lee, for Trammell that was probably a career day.
I can’t see him staying around much longer.
That grand slam surprised me totally, along with everyone else.
lee cousins
Hey Fred, The thing is they are still in search of another bat that can produce. He may continue to get his chance, of course that’s on a short leash, I would presume.