Mariners acquire outfielder Justin Ruggiano from Cubs
The Seattle Mariners acquired outfielder Justin Ruggiano from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league relief pitcher Matt Brazis, the team announced.
Ruggiano hit .281 with six home runs and 28 RBIs in 81 games in his only season with the Cubs. He had season-ending surgery on his left ankle in August and is a career .257 hitter with 43 home runs and 137 RBI.
“We're probably looking at him more as a corner outfielder. We'll give him the opportunity to compete for the right field spot." Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. “We were in pursuit of an outfielder that could play all three spots and he can do that."
Ruggiano, 32, has also played for the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins during his six major league seasons.
The 25-year-old Brazis went 4-1 with a 2.36 ERA in 40 relief appearances last season with Single-A High Desert and Double-A Jackson.
- Scooby Axson
