Mariners acquire RHP Connor Sadzeck from Rangers

Jerry Dipoto has already made his second trade since the start of the season. This time, he acquires a reliever to supplement a depleted bullpen.

After losing Hunter Strickland to a right lat strain and seeing Cory Gearrin throw just four strikes on 16 pitches Sunday afternoon, the Mariners have gone outside of the organization to find bullpen help. Today, Seattle acquired right-handed reliever Connor Sadzeck from the Texas Rangers for 2018 21st-round pick Grant Anderson, per Jeff Wilson of Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The 27-year-old Sadzeck was designated for assignment on March 29. In 13 appearances for the Rangers last year, Sadzeck posted a 0.96 ERA over 9.1 innings of work; he also put up a 4.03 ERA in 38 innings at Triple-A Round Rock.

Despite his age, Sadzeck was regarded as one of the better relief prospects in the Rangers’ system, flashing a devastating fastball that sits at 97 miles-per-hour and a solid mid-80s slider. Sadzeck is a converted starting pitcher who failed to find a plus third pitch in his time in the minors, therefore being sentenced to the bullpen for the remainder of his career.

The trade has yet to become official, though when it does, the Mariners will need to make room for Sadzeck on their 40-man roster. In all likelihood, Seattle will move Strickland to the 60-day Injured List to open the spot.

With Strickland’s injury, the Mariners are currently playing their closing situation by committee. Sadzeck likely isn’t the solution, though his plus fastball and slider combo could help him throw his hat in the ring. We’ll see.

At the very least, the Mariners are expecting Anthony Swarzak to be activated from the 10-day Injured List tomorrow, so reinforcements are on their way.