OTTAWA – The Seattle Mariners purchased the contract of Mike Saunders from the Triple-A Tacoma Rainers of the Pacific Coast League on Saturday, July 25th.
To make room for the former Junior and Senior National Team member on the 25-man roster, the Mariners designated Wladimir Balentien for assignment.
At the time of his call up, the Victoria, BC native was hitting .310 with 15 doubles, 2 triples, 13 home runs and 32 RBI in 64 games with the Rainiers.
“Michael is a versatile player capable of playing all three outfield positions,” says Mariners GM Jack Zdurienick in a release. “We've been very pleased with his development and work at Triple-A this season and felt he earned the right to join the big league club at this time.”
Note: Saunders picked up his first Major League hit and first big league RBI on Sunday, going 2-for-4 against the Cleveland Indians.
