The Seattle Mariners have designated OF Leody Taveras for assignment. In a corresponding move, they’ve recalled OF Dominic Canzone from Triple-A Tacoma. Taveras had struggled massively since his claiming off waivers from the Texas Rangers, where he’d struggled to meet top prospect expectations. The final straw appeared to be Saturday, where multiple defensive miscues and poor plate appearances in relief of an injured Julio Rodríguez painted a stark contrast from what Taveras is capable of and what he’s currently at. Because of his non-zero cost attached of a remaining ~$2 million for this season, which he’d be owed by Seattle or any team that claims him unless he clears waivers and elects free agency as a player in arbitration, Taveras could well end up in Triple-A Tacoma to continue working on his mechanics.
The news of Canzone’s selection was broken by Northwest Sportscards, with whom Canzone was scheduled to have a card signing event prior to his recall to the bigs. Never let the internet or modern world make you think spontaneity and whimsy is out of reach.
Canzone’s comfortably crushed the Pacific Coast League for the fourth straight season, as the 27 year old has run a .301/.363/.574 line with 13 big flies in 193 plate appearances for the Rainiers. Indeed, in the PCL, Canzone now has 233 games, 995 PAs, 52 HRs, and a .307/.377/.550 line. The Ohioan lefty has bumped his head on the ceiling of the majors repeatedly, however, finding himself stymied by more potent pitching that’s overwhelmed him in his efforts to hunt hittable offerings. For flashes, he’s looked like a more imposing bat, but Canzone’s platoon splits and defensive limitations have placed him in an unenviable position of part-time play and pinch-hitting, which is how his only two appearances this year have come about.