Getting To Know New Mariner Starter Kendall Graveman

It’s been a while since we discussed him, but I am sure we will get to know Kendall Graveman during spring training. He is expected to be the Mariners number 4 starter.

Before joining the Mariners, Graveman spent most of last season on the injured list after having Tommy John surgery. The Chicago Cubs signed him to a free-agent contract on December 23, 2018, although he had the surgery already. He spent late August and September last year on rehab assignments where he started two games going three innings in each one.

The Seattle Mariners decided to sign Graveman after becoming a free-agent once again during the off-season. The Mariners believe he is healthy enough to pitch in the rotation. As for how it goes, we will see.

Kendall Graveman was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the eight-round in 2013. He was a call up in September 2014 where he pitched in five games. The only games he pitched in relief. Graveman was traded to the Oakland A’s on November 28, 2014, with three other players for third baseman Josh Donaldson.

Graveman pitched four years for the Oakland A’s before becoming a free agent. He started every game as an Oakland A. Graveman started 31 games in 2018 the only season he was healthy. He had a 10-11 record with an ERA of 4.11. In all, he had a record of 23-29 ERA 4.38 in those four seasons making 78 starts.

Looking at his stats he isn’t shown as a great pitcher, however, a serviceable pitcher Jerry Dipoto and the Mariners are looking for in 2020. If he can pitch logging in a lot of starts without getting hurt then he will be what the Mariners have looked for before guys like Logan Gilbert and George Kirby are ready to pitch in the major leagues. He has a better season than expected the Mariners could trade him before the trading deadline to a contender. Unless he is a big surprise don’t expect him to be on the Mariner roster in 2021.