Mariners bring back Santana, ship out Encarnacion in trade

LAS VEGAS - Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto was in the hospital, making a trade from a bed. Cleveland counterpart Chris Antonetti was boarding a plane headed back home, trying to finalize the deal before the flight pulled away from the gate.

They managed to complete the swap as the winter meetings came to an end. Carlos Santana was sent back to Cleveland, where he was an Indians fan favourite. Edwin Encarnacion is headed to Seattle no telling how long he’ll stick there. The star hitters were dealt for each other Thursday, part of a three-team trade that also involved Tampa Bay.

The Rays got infielder Yandy Diaz and minor league right-hander Cole Sulser from Cleveland. The Indians also acquired first baseman Jake Bauers from Tampa Bay, while the busy Mariners wound up with a draft pick. Tampa Bay will send $5 million to Seattle and the Mariners will pay $6 million to Cleveland.

“I called Edwin earlier this morning before we had final sign-off because again I wanted him to hear from me,” Antonetti said.

“We’ll see how it goes with Edwin, whether he stays with us or he moves on to another destination,” Seattle assistant general manager Justin Hollander said.

Coming off their third straight AL Central title, the Indians had been expected to make a move at the meetings, presumably with ace Corey Kluber or pitcher Trevor Bauer.

Instead, they jettisoned Encarnacion - the designated hitter has averaged 108 RBIS over the last seven seasons - and brought back the popular Santana.

“Not sure how to feel,” Indians star Jose Ramirez tweeted.