Seattle Mariners Claim Dominic Leone After Angels Waive Him

In a surprising turn of events, Dominic Leone is making a return to his original team, the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners have successfully claimed Leone after the Los Angeles Angels waived him and several other players earlier this week. This move marks Leone’s reconnection with the team that initially drafted him in the 2012 MLB Draft, selecting him in the 16th round. During his earlier stint with the Mariners in 2014-2015, Leone showcased his skills, delivering a noteworthy performance by pitching 77.2 innings with an impressive 2.71 ERA.

Leone’s journey took a different path when he was acquired by the Angels in a last-minute trade. The Halos aimed to reinforce their roster, particularly in their pursuit of a Wild Card spot. Their aspiration was not only to compete but also to demonstrate their capacity to secure victories in crucial October baseball games, a vital factor in convincing Shohei Ohtani of the team’s potential for success.

However, the anticipated success story did not unfold as planned. August proved to be a challenging month for the Angels, who struggled and faced one of the poorest records. The team’s performance prompted them to part ways with several players, including Leone, in a wave of roster changes. Leone contributed 13 innings during his time with the Angels but faced difficulties, leading to a 5.54 ERA. Unfortunately, his struggles mirrored those of the other additions to the team, contributing to a decline in team morale amidst the inability to secure victories.

Presently standing at a record of 64-70, the Angels find themselves trailing by a significant 11.5 games for the last available Wild Card spot. This setback dashes their hopes for a late-season push towards the playoffs. In stark contrast, the Seattle Mariners are experiencing a remarkable reversal of fortune. Despite trading their starting closer, Paul Sewald, the Mariners have been on an impressive winning streak since the trade deadline, suffering only 6 losses throughout August.

This surge in performance has propelled the Mariners to the forefront of the AL West division. With the addition of Dominic Leone to their roster, the Mariners are poised to further solidify their position. As the Mariners continue their journey, Leone’s return adds depth to their bullpen, enhancing their prospects in the competitive landscape of baseball.