Mariners Add Taylor Ward, Brendan Donovan as Dipoto Eyes 2 1/2-Game AL West Gap

1 articles · Updated · The Seattle Times · Aug 5

Brendan Donovan returned after nine weeks out and Taylor Ward debuted Tuesday, giving Seattle what Jerry Dipoto called its healthiest, deepest lineup as it tries to break a two-month offensive slump.
Ward was acquired at the deadline for the right-handed bat Seattle wanted, and his move to right field should let Dom Canzone settle at DH while reducing the club’s heavy platooning.
Luke Raley is expected to miss the rest of the season with a left forearm strain, while reliever Seranthony Domínguez—part of the Luis Castillo trade—slots into medium-leverage bullpen work.
Seattle passed on another proven reliever because Dipoto would not move top prospects without a “seismic” return, and he said trade talks on George Kirby and Emerson Hancock never produced acceptable value.
Despite sitting three games under .500, the Mariners trail Houston by only 2 1/2 games in the AL West and are planning for top pitching prospect Kade Anderson’s expected arrival in coming weeks.