Mariners claim RHP Seth Martinez off waivers

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OAKLAND, CA - JULY 23: Seth Martinez #61 of the Houston Astros pitches during the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum on July 23, 2024 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Astros 8-2. (Michael Zagaris / Oakland Athletics / Getty Images)

The Seattle Mariners claimed right-handed relief pitcher Seth Martinez off waivers from the Miami Marlins on Sunday.

To clear a roster spot, right-handed reliever Jackson Kowar was placed on the 60-day injured list.

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Martinez, 30, has spent the last four seasons with the Houston Astros, appearing in 111 games with a 6-6 record and 3.93 ERA. Martinez has two career saves with 54 walks and 122 strikeouts in 137 ⅓ innings pitched.

It's the third time this offseason Martinez has landed with a new team via waivers. He was claimed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in November, and then by the Marlins in February. Now Martinez – a Peoria, Ariz. native – gets to join the Mariners back in his hometown at their spring training complex.

Martinez was a 17th round pick of the Oakland Athletics in 2016 out of Arizona State. The Astros selected him in the Rule 5 Draft in 2020, and he's played his entire MLB career with Houston.

Kowar, 28, missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He was acquired by the Mariners in December 2023 along with infielder Cole Phillips in exchange for left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales, outfielder Jarred Kelenic, infielder Evan White, and cash considerations.

Kowar made 23 appearances for the Kansas City Royals in 2023, posting a 2–0 record with 29 strikeouts in 28.0 innings. Over three seasons with Kansas City (2021–2023), the University of Florida product accumulated a career record of 2–6 with a 9.12 ERA across 39 games, including eight starts.

Kowar is progressing in his recovery from the injury and is throwing with the team in spring training, but he isn't expected to be MLB ready until late May.

The Source: Announcement by the Seattle Mariners.