Mariners strike trade with Orioles for bullpen help

NEW YORK — With seemingly every pitcher not named Andres Munoz in the Mariners’ bullpen struggling to keep runners off base and runs off the scoreboard, the organization made a small trade to add some experienced depth.

Following Wednesday night’s 7-3 loss to the Yankees, the Mariners announced they had completed a trade to acquire right-handed reliever Mike Baumann and minor league catcher Michael Perez in exchange for catcher Blake Hunt, who has spent the season with Triple-A Tacoma.

Baumann, 28, was designated for assignment on Saturday by Baltimore as the Orioles were playing Seattle at Camden Yards. The Orioles would’ve liked to keep Baumann in the organization, but he was out of minor league options and they had to designated him.

In 17 appearances this season, he posted a 1-0 record with a 3.44 ERA. In 18 1/3 innings pitched, he struck out 16 batters and walked nine.

In 2023, he posted a 10-1 record and a 3.76 ERA in 60 relief appearances. In 64 2/3 innings pitched, he struck out 61 batters and walked 33. He relies heavily on a four-seam fastball that averages 96 mph and two breaking pitches — a slider and knuckle curve.

The Mariners will have to add Baumann to the MLB roster when he reports to the team, meaning a reliever will have to be sent down to the minor leagues.

Perez, 31, is a depth piece for Triple-A Tacoma. He has played sparingly for Triple-A Norfolk, hitting .221 in 21 games with two doubles and two homers. But he does have MLB experience, having appeared in games in parts of the last six seasons.

Perez will likely serve as a backup to Michael Papierski, who was splitting time with Hunt at catcher.

Hunt, 25, had played in 23 games for Tacoma, posting a .293/.372/.533 slash line with four doubles, a triple, four homers and 20 RBI. He was acquired from the Rays this past offseason in a trade for minor league catcher Tatem Levins.