The Mariners have traded away another member of their bullpen to the Chicago Cubs

The Mariners made news during the middle of their series opener against the Kansas City Royals, but not for the normal reasons that a team would make noise during a game. This time, it was because the Mariners made a trade with the Chicago Cubs.

The Mariners sent out reliever Tyson Miller in exchange for Cubs infielder Jake Slaughter. It seems a bit odd, because Tyson Miller had been doing quite well for the Mariners this season, despite seeing him recently DFA'd by the Mariners. Miller had thrown 11.2 innings this year for the Mariners, posting a 3.09 ERA, with 12 strikeouts and just one walk.

The Mariners have acquired Jake Slaughter for Tyson Miller

Miller had proven himself to be an impressive member of what was quietly a good Mariners pen, despite not having newcomer Gregory Santos or nasty boy Matt Brash. It makes sense though, as the DFA removed Miller from the Mariners 40-man, so it was likely that another team was going to try and grab him.

In exchange, the Mariners will be receiving infielder Jake Slaughter from the Cubs. At 27-years-old, Slaughter has yet to see the majors, although he is arguably closer than he has ever been. At AAA Iowa, he has been hitting .297/.392/.487, with a surprising ten steals to go with six doubles and five homers. Slaughter can play second and third, with a bit of first, so the Mariners are acquiring another utility man.

Does this have anything to do with Jorge Polanco getting hurt? Maybe it's Ty France insurance while the Mariners let Tyler Locklear season in AA and eventually AAA? Either way, the Mariners have once again used their bullpen to find a piece that can possibly help their lineup, something that is definitely needed.