Mariners News: M’s Acquire Pitcher Joe Wieland

May 6, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Joe Wieland (45) during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Milwaukee won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Joe Wieland (45) during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Milwaukee won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seattle Mariners today announced the acquisition of right hander Joe Wieland in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers for infield prospect Erick Mejia.

Joe Wieland is a right handed starting pitcher that stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 205 pounds.  The Reno, Nevada product was drafted in the fourth round of the 2008 draft as a high school player by the Texas Rangers.  As a matter of fact he was the Nevada state player of the year in 2008.  He was traded to San Diego Padres in July of 2011 and had season ending Tommy John Surgery in July of 2012 after 5 Major League starts.  He experienced a couple of setbacks after surgery and finally had elbow surgery at the start of the 2014 season.  In December of 2014 he, along with two others were were traded to the Dodgers for Matt Kemp.

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Joe Wieland has had a Minor League career of seven seasons.   His minor league numbers consist of a 3.52 ERA and a 1.203 WHIP with a strikeout to walk ratio of 4.83.  He’s won 45 games and lost 27 games.  In 2011 he had his best year as he logged a no-hitter in Double-A.  Since then he’s had a few forays into the Majors.

Wieland’s Major League career has not been as successful as his minor league career.  Aside from his interruptions due to surgeries, he’s struggled to say the least.  In 9 starts in the Majors with the Padres and the Dodgers he has recorded one win and five losses.  He’s achieved a 5.85 ERA and 1.490 WHIP with a 1.89 strikeout to walk ratio.

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Wieland was projected by scouts to be a middle of the rotation to end of the rotation type of starter.  He throws from a three quarters angle with a consistently repeatable delivery. His arsenal includes four pitches.  He throws a two seam fastball and a four seam fastball, a curveball and a changeup.  His impressive curveball has a hard late break.  Check out his stuff in the video of his first Major League win.

This is the 11th trade that Executive Vice President and General Manager, Jerry Dipoto has made since his hiring by the Seattle Mariners.  While the trading activity has slowed down a bit, it appears that that the Mariners will continue to make tweaks.  To make room for Joe Wieland on the 40-man roster, A.J. Schugel, who was acquired via waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks in December, was designated for assignment.  Wieland will join the Mariners talent of arms on the 40-man roster.

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