Player News
-
Upton elected free agency after being optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports. Upton saw sporadic playing time over the last few weeks and will lose his spot on the active roster after Kyle Lewis (concussion) was reinstated from the injured list Friday. Upton hit just .125 with a homer, three RBI and two runs over 17 games with the Mariners but will attempt to seek out other options as a free agent.
-
Upton went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run in a win over the Blue Jays on Sunday. Upton drew the start in left field and had a reasonably productive day from the No. 8 spot in the order. The veteran outfielder had most recently been in the lineup last Monday, and he hadn't hit safely in a start since June 25.
-
Upton is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Padres. He'll retreat to the bench after going 0-for-8 with four strikeouts while starting in both of the past two games. Even with Jesse Winker set to miss the rest of the week while serving a suspension and with Kyle Lewis (concussion) and Taylor Trammell (hamstring) still stuck on the injured list, the righty-hitting Upton may still be forced to settle for short-side platoon work in the corner outfield or at designated hitter. Dylan Moore, Abraham Toro and Sam Haggerty all look to be ahead of Upton in the pecking order for playing time.
-
Upton hit a solo home run in his only at-bat against the Athletics on Saturday. Upton didn't start the contest, but he was brought in as a pinch hitter with Seattle down a run in the eighth inning. The veteran chose a good time to hit his first long ball as a member of the Mariners, going deep to left field to tie the score. It was just the second extra-base hit this season for Upton, who has struggled with a .152/.282/.273 slash line through 39 plate appearances.
-
Upton isn't starting Saturday's game against the Athletics. Upton hasn't had much playing time recently and will be out of the lineup for a fifth consecutive game. Sam Haggerty is starting in right field and batting ninth.