May 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Mallex Smith (17) rounds first on a RBI triple against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning at Turner Field. Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Mariners acquired right-handed pitcher Shae Simmons and outfielder Mallex Smith from the Atlanta Braves in a trade Wednesday.
In exchange, the Braves received minor league left-handers Luiz Gohara and Thomas Burrows.
Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto completed his 10th trade this offseason.
“As we continue to construct a deep and flexible roster, Shae and Mallex add to our potential big league mix,” Dipoto said in a statement. “Shae has had success pitching at the back end of games in the minors and has shown strikeout ability at all levels. Smith adds to our growing inventory of multi-skilled, athletic outfielders. Both players are young, controllable and have bright futures.”
Simmons, 26, made seven relief appearances with the Braves in 2016, tossing 6 2/3 innings and allowing one run for a 1.35 ERA. He began the year on the 15-day disabled list while recovering from Tommy John right elbow surgery. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews on Feb. 12, 2015. As part of his rehabilitation, Simmons made 19 appearances in the minor leagues before joining the Braves.
Simmons has a major league record of 1-2 with one save and a 2.54 ERA over 28 1/3 innings in 33 career relief appearances. In four combined years in the Braves’ minor league system, he was 3-4, with 41 saves and a 1.80 ERA in 107 games (13 starts).
Smith, 23, made his big-league debut with the Braves in 2016, appearing in 72 games and hitting .238 with three home runs and 22 RBIs. He played all three outfield positions, appearing in center field (35 games), left field (22 games) and right field (one game) and committing just one error.
Gohara, 20, combined for a record of 7-2 with a 1.81 ERA over 69 2/3 innings with 81 strikeouts and 23 walks in 13 starts with Class A Everett and Class A Clinton last season.
Burrows, 22, went 0-1 with six saves and a 2.55 ERA over 24 2/3 innings with 37 strikeouts and 11 walks in 20 relief appearances with Everett last season.
To make room on the Mariners’ 40-man roster, right-hander Cody Martin was designated for assignment. The Mariners have 10 days to trade, release or outright the contract of Martin to the minors.
Martin, 27, went 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA over 25 2/3 innings with 15 strikeouts and nine walks in nine appearances (two starts) with Seattle last season. He was claimed off waivers by the Mariners from Oakland on Oct. 19, 2015.
