The Rays traded Shenton to the Mariners on Tuesday in exchange for cash, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.
After making his MLB debut and appearing in 19 games for the Rays in 2024, Shenton will now reunite with the organization that originally drafted him back in 2019. The 26-year-old infielder slashed .258/.361/.497 with 20 home runs and 65 RBI across 363 minor-league plate appearances last season, and he will likely remain an organizational depth piece upon moving to Seattle. JT Chargois was DFA'd in a corresponding move.
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Rays' Austin Shenton: Designated for assignment
Rotowire
The Rays designated Shenton for assignment Monday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.
The club has decided it had a better use for a 40-man roster spot ahead of the Rule 5 Draft protection deadline. Shenton will turn 27 in January and has just 50 major-league plate appearances under his belt, but he's slashed .276/.391/.541 with 34 homers in 144 games at the Triple-A level, so there could be interest in the infielder via waivers.
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Rays' Austin Shenton: Sent down to minors
Rotowire
The Rays optioned Shenton to their spring training complex Monday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.
The minor-league season for Triple-A Durham is over, so Shenton will stay in shape at the team's spring training facility in case he's needed later this week. Shenton has put up a .745 OPS over 50 plate appearances during his time in the majors this season.
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Rays' Austin Shenton: Back in big leagues
Rotowire
The Rays recalled Shenton from Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Shenton will absorb the roster spot vacated by Amed Rosario, who was traded to the Dodgers on Monday. The 26-year-old put up a .697 OPS over a 17-game stint with the Rays earlier this season. Shenton can play both infield corners and could get a decent amount of playing time, especially if the Rays continue to trade pieces from their major-league roster.
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Rays' Austin Shenton: Draws first MLB start
Rotowire
Shenton went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and a walk Monday against the Rangers.
Shenton made his first major-league start, playing first base and hitting eighth after appearing as a pinch hitter Sunday. He posted a 1.035 OPS across 271 plate appearances with Triple-A Durham in 2023, though that came at the elevated age of 25. Shenton could be an intriguing option if he can get more consistent at-bats, though it appears the Rays will have to suffer several injuries for that to occur.
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Rays' Austin Shenton: Makes Opening Day roster
Rotowire
Rays manager Kevin Cash said Wednesday that Shenton has made the Rays' Opening Day roster, Steve Carney of StPeteNine.com reports.
Shenton was optioned to minor-league camp earlier this month, but injuries to other players created another opportunity and he wound up making the team. The 26-year-old can handle the corner-infield and corner-outfield spots and could also be an option at designated hitter while Jonathan Aranda (finger) opens the season on the injured list. Shenton will be making his major-league debut whenever he gets into a game.
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Rays' Austin Shenton: Selected to 40-man roster
Rotowire
The Rays selected Shenton to their 40-man roster Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Shenton put up an impressive .304/.423/.584 batting line with 29 home runs and 99 RBI over 134 games this past season between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham. The 25-year-old corner infielder looks poised to make his major-league debut in the early part of the 2024 season.