Mariners Minor League Report
Jun 3, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Stefen Romero (7) hits a three run home run in the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Tacoma Rainiers – AAA
Stefen Romero – RF
Mariners’ fans are very familiar with Stefen Romero, as he spent the bulk of last season calling Safeco Field home. He struggled with the stick for the M’s in 2014, but he has found his stroke with the Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League. The Oregon State alum has hit .319 with 3 home runs and 6 RBI’s over his last 12 games. He has posted a .385 on base percentage, and slugged .532 across 47 at bats since April 23. The 26-year-old has also yet to commit an error this season in Tacoma. While he may not be an exciting prospect anymore, Romero is a guy who could potentially earn a mid-season call up if he continues to mash in AAA.
Feb 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Justin Germano poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Germano – RHP
Justin Germano is a 32-year-old veteran reliever who appears to have resurrected his career pitching for Tacoma this season. Germano has spent parts of 9 seasons in the big leagues, but has never been able to produce consistent results. He began the season as a reliever in the Rainiers’ bullpen, but has transitioned to the starting rotation during the last couple weeks. Germano is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA across his last 11.1 innings. If the M’s pitching problems persist, Germano may make an appearance in Seattle this month.
Ketel Marte – SS
With Brad Miller and Chris Taylor currently in the big leagues, Ketel Marte has slid into the everyday shortstop gig with the Rainiers. Marte has been one of the hottest hitters in the league over the past 2 weeks, recording a .370 batting average with 4 RBI’s and 5 stolen bases. Now that Taylor is in Seattle, Hopefully Marte will get a chance to refine his skills with the leather. Marte is arguably more gifted than Miller and Taylor, but at just 21 years of age, he still needs a bit more seasoning in the minor leagues. Look for Marte to finish the season with Tacoma, before making his Mariners’ debut in 2016.
Mike Montgomery – LHP
The Mariners acquired Mike Montgomery from the Tampa Bay Rays at the end of spring training in exchange for Erasmo Ramirez. Montgomery is a former top prospect who fell out of favor in Tampa after struggling the past couple seasons. However, the southpaw appears to have found himself with the Rainiers. The 25-year-old has gone 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA since April 23. He has struck out 17 and walked just 4 over his last 20.0 innings pitched. The Santa Clarita, CA product has held the opposition to a .188 batting average over his last 3 outings. Montgomery has proven to be a steal thus far, and he could potentially make his big league debut this September in Seattle.
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