Ahead of this weekend’s matchup with the Mets, the Seattle Mariners have called up first baseman Mike Ford and outfielder Steven Souza Jr.
The Mariners sent down outfield prospect Jarred Kelenic in the same group of roster moves, so Seattle appears inclined to seek win-now production from veterans as opposed to prioritizing experience for youngsters at this point of the season.
Originally an undrafted free agent with the Yankees in 2013, Mike Ford, a 29-year-old lefty power hitter, spent Spring Training with the Mariners this year but wasn’t able to make the Opening Day roster. He started the season with Triple-A Tacoma, was DFA’d, signed on with the Giants, then was traded right back to Seattle on May 12th. With three right-handed starters on deck against the Mets this weekend, the Mariners hope Ford can bring some lefty pop to the lineup.
Steven Souza Jr., a 33-year-old veteran outfielder who stood out in Mariners Spring Training with a .987 OPS, has hit well in the middle of Tacoma’s batting order so far this season; he’s sporting a .950 OPS with 5 home runs and 17 RBIs, and has brought some intense leadership to the young squad. A native of Everett, WA, it will be exciting to see Souza take the field this weekend for his hometown team for the first time in his career.
Hopefully, Ford and Souza can bring a quality veteran presence to a young Seattle team currently struggling through a brutal 3-12 stretch in their last 15 games.