The Seattle Mariners have designated defensive specialist outfielder Ryan Langerhans for assignment.
An exquisite defender at all three outfield positions, particularly the corners, Langerhans has become something of a sabermetric favorite in recent years; however, the Mariners, who broke camp with 11 pitchers, felt they needed a seventh reliever (Jesus Colome) after they were forced to turn to Rule 5 rookie Kanekoa Texeira in high-leverage situations. Langerhans was the odd man out.
Langerhans has had strikeout issues in his career, striking out in almost 30 percent of his plate appearances, which is unacceptable for a hitter with only average power (.147 career Isolated Power). He does somewhat make up for this with a strong batting eye (12.3% walk rate).
The lefty is a career .231/.332/.379 hitter with 27 homers in 513 games with the Braves, A’s, Nationals, and Mariners.
[4/12 UPDATE]: Langerhans cleared waivers and has been assigned to Triple-A Tacoma.