Major League Baseball

Mariners DFA Justin Ruggiano to make room for Mark Trumbo

Published Jun. 5, 2015 2:04 a.m. ET

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The Seattle Mariners are hoping that new slugger Mark Trumbo will prove to be the offensive weapon they've been missing so far this season, especially since his addition has come at the cost of another player. 

On Thursday, the M's designated outfielder Justin Ruggiano for assignment in part to make room for backup catcher Jesus Sucre - but also to cut down on their amount of right-handed hitting outfielders. In 36 games for the Mariners this season, Ruggiano slashed .214/.321/.357 with two home runs in limited playing time (he only managed official 70 at-bats). 

When asked why the M's decided to DFA Ruggiano rather than remove someone else from the 25-man roster (such as the under-performing Rickie Weeks), manager Lloyd McClendon told Bob Dutton of the News Tribune the following: “The particulars are not something I want to discuss, but obviously there is going to be a tremendous lack of playing time for whoever that guy was (who remained). Hopefully, this gives (Ruggiano) a chance to catch on with somebody else."

With Ruggiano out of the picture, the Mariners' outfield situation now includes Nelson Cruz, Seth Smith, Trumbo, Austin Jackson, Dustin Ackley and Brad Miller (though Miller frequently plays infield). 

(h/t The News Tribune)

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