The Mariners announced several roster moves today, most of which were previously reported. They also reinstated infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan from the 10-day injured list. Outfielder Stuart Fairchild has been designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Fairchild, 30, was added to the roster three days ago when Luke Raley was placed on the injured list. He got into Sunday’s game as a pinch-runner for Josh Naylor and scored the winning run on Colt Emerson‘s walk-off single. Fairchild is out of options, so he has been quickly bumped off the roster to make way for Donovan.
The journeyman outfielder is known best for his glove. In 1,561 big league innings, both Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average have Fairchild ten above par. His offense isn’t as impressive. He has a .221/.309/.377 line in 697 career plate appearances.
The glove has been enough to get him opportunities. He has spent time with Arizona, Seattle, San Francisco, Atlanta and Cleveland. With the trade deadline now in the past, he will be placed on waivers in the coming days. If any club out there is looking for a glove-first bench outfielder, they could put in a claim. If Fairchild clears waivers, he will have the right to elect free agency.
Photo courtesy of Brad Penner, Imagn Images
