Jeff Clement may be close to joining the Mariners
The Mariners appear to be set to recalling Jeff Clement from Triple-A Tacoma. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer suggested it could be a matter of days before Clement is called up to help the struggling Mariners offense.
Clement is batting .384/.526/.685 - 1.211 through the team’s first 22 games at Triple-A, suggesting he’s all but ready for the major leagues. Clement, who has split time as the catcher and designated hitter for the Triple-A club, would likely take the spot of Jose Vidro in the Mariners every day lineup as their designated hitter. Last week’s contract extension given to Kenji Johjima signaled the end of Clement’s catching career as a major leaguer, though he may see some time behind the plate to give Johjima the occasional day off.
When Clement comes up, it probably means Jamie Burke will be sent out, because American League teams will rarely keep three catchers on their roster. When Johjima needs a day off, it would probably be Clement moving behind the plate instead of Burke.
Filed under: Jamie Burke, Jeff Clement, Kenji Johjima, Seattle Mariners