Seattle acquires Alonso from A’s
Mariners hoping first baseman’s bat bolsters playoff bid.
The Seattle Mariners acquired All-Star first baseman Yonder Alonso from the Oakland Athletics on Sunday for minor league outfielder Boog Powell.
The Mariners, who have not been in postseason play since 2001, entered a Sunday doubleheader at Kansas City trailing the Royals by 1½ games for the second wild-card spot.
Alonso, 30, is hitting .266 with 17 doubles, 22 home runs and 49 RBIs. He ranks second among American League first baseman with a .527 slugging percentage.
“I feel like it’s a compliment he brings to our lineup, particularly the left-handed bat,” Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said. “It’s a balance he brings to our lineup, especially looking ahead — we’ve got quite a stretch of right-handed starters that we are seeing over the next three weeks.
“This is something we discussed for a length of time heading into the July 31 deadline. We felt like we were at the goal line to get a deal done.”
Alfonso is eligible for free agency after this season.
“He’s had an excellent year to this point, an all-star season, real breakout year for him,” Dipoto said. “We are acquiring a bat that makes us a difference in the middle of our lineup.”
Alonso could platoon at first base with Danny Valencia. Alonso has 18 home runs, 40 RBIs and a .948 OPS against right-handed pitching this year.
Powell hit .194 in 23 games during three stints with Seattle this year. He has spent most of the season with Triple-A Tacoma, hitting .340 in 58 games.
The Mariners also acquired right-handed pitcher Ryan Garton and catcher Mike Marjama from the Tampa Bay Rays for Double-A pitcher Anthony Misiewicz, low-A infielder Luis Rengifo and a player to be named.
Royals: All-Star catcher Salvador Perez went on the 10-day disabled list with a strain on the right side of his chest. Perez was injured on a swing in the sixth inning Friday. The five-time All-Star is hitting .278 with 21 home runs and 65 RBIs. Kansas City recalled catcher Cameron Gallagher from Triple-A Omaha, where he was hitting .294 with five home runs.
Yankees: Slumping slugger Matt Holliday went on the disabled list with a sore back and the team is hoping a week off will also give him a chance to regroup at the plate. New York recalled first baseman Garrett Cooper from Triple-A Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre.
Indians: Second baseman Jason Kipnis was activated after being sidelined since before the All-Star break with a strained right hamstring. Kipnis was in the lineup and leading off in the series finale against the Yankees. Cleveland optioned infielder Erik Gonzalez to Triple-A.
Twins: Glen Perkins’ long shoulder rehab is nearing completion with the former All-Star closer scheduled to join Double-A Chattanooga in Birmingham, Alabama, on Thursday for three planned outings. If he clears those hurdles, he could rejoin Minnesota next week.
Etc.: Former Seattle outfielder Stefen Romero agreed to a three-year contract through 2020 with the Orix Buffaloes of Japan’s Pacific League.