Seattle is prepared to move on from Fernando Rodney. Rodney has struggled throughout the course of 2015 and the club announced it designated him for assignment on Saturday night.
Rodney, 38, signed a two-year deal to close games for Seattle prior to the 2014 campaign. Over 50.2 innings this season, he has posted a 5.25 ERA and 5.68 FIP while saving 16 contests. Rodney's inability to throw strikes consistently ultimately led the Mariners to explore other closing options. Carson Smith took over in early June and has had a fair amount of success in the back end of the bullpen.
Although the Mariners have an opportunity to move Rodney, a trade might not be realistic. Rodney cleared revocable trade waivers last week but given his notably high ERA, he is unlikely to be claimed. However, another club could sign Rodney to add depth and subsequently add him to the roster when rosters expand in September. Rodney is an experienced piece to have in the bullpen but his inconsistencies could be hard to overlook.
Rodney was thought to be one of the game's most prominent closers when he signed a two-year, $14 million deal with the Mariners. He pitched well in 2014, saving 48 contests while pitching to a 2.85 ERA over 66.1 innings.
In the corresponding roster moves, the Mariners optioned Danny Farquhar to Triple-A and called up Roenis Elias and selected the contract of Logan Kensing.
Kensing has posted a 2.30 ERA over 33.1 innings with Triple-A this season. Elias has posted a 4.27 ERA over 78.0 innings with the Mariners this season.