The Seattle Mariners have made the surprising move to designate pitcher Chris Flexen for assignment.
It's a fall from grace for Flexen, who was a big part of the M's pitching staff in each of the last two years.
Per Larry Stone of the Seattle Times on Twitter:
Two years ago, Chris Flexen was named the Mariners' Most Valuable Pitcher by the Seattle chapter of the BBWAA. Today, he was DFA'd. He was caught in a rotation numbers game and struggled in his scattered appearances. Good guy -- wish him the best.
In 2021, as the Mariners won 90 games and chased the playoffs, Flexen went 14-6 with a 3.61 ERA in 31 starts. He fell out of the rotation in 2022 after the Mariners acquired Luis Castillo but still started 22 games and pitched to a 3.73 ERA.
This year, there was talk of the M's trading Flexen in spring training but they elected to keep him. He started four games and relieved in 13 others, struggling mightily along the way. He's 0-4 with a 7.71 ERA right now.
Because he was designated for assignment, the M's have seven days to trade him, release him or outright him to the minors. He's owed just over $4 million for the rest of the season, so if a team claims him, they'll have to assume that money.
It's possible the Mariners find a trade partner but if he becomes a free agent, it's likely he'll get scooped up quickly on the league minimum.
In a corresponding move, the Mariners activated Trevor Gott from the injured list.
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