Mariners Acquire Eric Thames From Blue Jays For Steve Delabar

The Seattle Mariners have acquired outfielder Eric Thames from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Steve Delabar, the Mariners have announced (via Twitter). Thames has been playing in the minors recently, but will join the Mariners' big league roster tomorrow, reports Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.

#Mariners acquire OF Eric Thames from #BlueJays in exchange for RHP Steve Delabar.

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) July 31, 2012

Thames, 25, got off to a fast start when he first got called up to the majors last season. This year was a different story, though, as the 25-year-old outfielder batted just .243/.288/.365 in 160 plate appearances over 46 games. While he has raked for Class Triple-A Las Vegas, those numbers should be taken with a grain of salt given the hitter-friendly environment in the Pacific Coast League. In all likelihood, the Mariners acquired a corner outfielder that profiles as a fourth outfielder/platoon against left-handed pitchers.

Delabar, 29, received a cup of coffee with the Mariners last year but had carved out a role with the Mariners this season before being dealt. The Kentucky native has been good, too, despite a 4.17 ERA across 36 2/3 innings of work. The righty reliever is posting a fantastic 11.3 K/9 to go along with a 2.7 BB/9 and should see his ERA decrease with more innings.