Sporting News staff reports
Russell Branyan is returning to Seattle.
The Mariners acquired the slugging first baseman from the Cleveland Indians on Saturday for minor leaguers Ezequiel Carrera and Juan Diaz.
MLB.com reports Cleveland will also pick up the remainder of Branyan’s $2 million salary or send Seattle a player to be named.
Branyan, 34, hit 31 home runs for Seattle last season but was not re-signed in the offseason. He hooked on with Cleveland during spring training but missed the start of the season with a back injury. He batted .263 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs for the Indians this season.
MLB.com reports the trade allows the Indians to recall Matt LaPorta from the minors and make him the club’s everyday first baseman. LaPorta was playing the outfield prior to his demotion.
Sporting News staff reports
Russell Branyan is returning to Seattle.
The Mariners acquired the slugging first baseman from the Cleveland Indians on Saturday for minor leaguers Ezequiel Carrera and Juan Diaz.
MLB.com reports Cleveland will also pick up the remainder of Branyan’s $2 million salary or send Seattle a player to be named.
Branyan, 34, hit 31 home runs for Seattle last season but was not re-signed in the offseason. He hooked on with Cleveland during spring training but missed the start of the season with a back injury. He batted .263 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs for the Indians this season.
MLB.com reports the trade allows the Indians to recall Matt LaPorta from the minors and make him the club’s everyday first baseman. LaPorta was playing the outfield prior to his demotion.