Mariners: Seth Smith Deep Waiver Add

Mariners outfielder Seth Smith hit well in the first half. With Nori Aoki optioned to Triple-A, Smith looks to have the starting job in left field until further notice.

The Seattle Mariners first half did not go the way they expected. Their ace starting pitcher has missed over a month with a calf strain. The team lost another starting pitcher to tendinitis earlier this month. Even with all that, the offense is still at full strength. One of those players carrying this team is outfielder Seth Smith.

Smith did not get much playing time in the beginning of the season. In the Mariners’ first 51 games, he played in 44 of them, but only started 35 times. Despite that, he’s been taking advantage of those at bats. He hit .269 with six home runs, 22 RBI, 30 strikeouts and 23 walks.

The team was set in the outfield, with Nori Aoki, Leonys Martin and the platoon of Nelson Cruz and Franklin Gutierrez. Smith would fill in when someone (likely Cruz) needed an off day. 

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However, because of the struggles Aoki had this season, .245/.323/.313 in 284 plate appearances, he was optioned to Triple-A at the end of June. This opened the door for Smith to take over the left field starting job. In the first nine games of July, Smith hit .364 with four homers, 12 RBI and an 11:2 K:BB ratio.

The reason Smith wasn’t an everyday starter was because he could not hit left-handed pitching. In 21 games against lefties, he hit .143 with zero home runs and three RBI. Against righties, he is hitting .290 with 11 home runs and 38 RBI.

If the Mariners are facing a southpaw, don’t be surprised if Smith misses a start. This makes him a liability in weekly leagues. If you’re able to change your lineup on a daily basis, then you have nothing to worry about. I added him in my 10-team league and have been playing the matchups each day.

Next: Fallout From Pomeranz to Boston Trade

Smith is owned in just 17.4 percent of ESPN leagues, up 3.7 over the last week. With his power and lineup around him, he’s been over-performing. In deeper leagues, he’s worth an add. In standard leagues, you could add him as a bench player.

There are plenty of other options to put in your starting lineup. However, with the way he’s been hitting, he could easily be a starter.