The Mariners have claimed outfielder Duke Ellis off waivers from the Mets and assigned him to Triple-A Tacoma. The Mariners had an open spot on their 40-man roster, which is now full after this move. Ellis, 26, has now been on three different 40-man rosters in the past month. He was first selected by the White Sox on June 4, then moved to the Mets, and now to the Mariners through waivers.
Ellis is known for his speed. In 968 minor league plate appearances, he has a batting line of .241/.329/.333, equating to an 88 wRC+, but he has stolen 117 bases in 134 attempts. During a brief stint in the majors with the White Sox, he successfully stole four bases in four attempts.
Players like Ellis can be valuable for contending teams, especially with expanded rosters in September, as a key pinch-running opportunity can be crucial in close games. Given the Mariners had an open roster spot, claiming Ellis is a low-risk move. He can get some playing time in Tacoma, and the Mariners might eventually try to pass him through waivers again or call him up to utilize his speed.
