The Mariners launched veteran catcher Michael Perez, who’s been taking part in with their Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma, per Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto. His launch clears manner for Seby Zavala, who’s returning to the Rainiers after clearing outright waivers. Zavala and Michael Papierski will deal with catching duties in Tacoma and stand as skilled depth choices behind Cal Raleigh and Mitch Garver.
Perez, 31, got here to the Mariners alongside reliever Mike Baumann in a small commerce sending minor league catcher Blake Hunt to Baltimore earlier this season. Perez has performed in components of six large league seasons between the Rays, Pirates and Mets. He’s a profession .179/.248/.306 hitter in 599 journeys to the plate. It’s a effectively below-average line (48% worse, by measure of wRC+), however Perez grades out fairly effectively by way of his throwing and blocking. He boasts a profession 29% caught-stealing price, and Statcast credit him as one of many recreation’s greatest blocking catchers on a price foundation. He’s sometimes drawn adverse framing grades, nevertheless.
Whereas Perez has struggled in Triple-A this season and final, he’s additionally had loads of success on the degree. In components of six Triple-A campaigns, the lefty-swinging backstop is a .236/.324/.405 hitter with 36 homers, 31 doubles and a pair of triples in 975 plate appearances. He’ll head again to the open market looking for a brand new alternative and may latch on with a membership missing catching depth — significantly if stated membership is in search of a glove-first choice to stash within the higher minors.
