Mariners add new backstop for Luis Castillo

The Mariners have a new catcher, thanks to a trade with the San Francisco Giants for Curt Casali.

The Seattle Mariners swung a trade for a new backstop to catch Luis Castillo.

This is a very minor move for a backup catcher, but it does bring significance. The Mariners have been dealing with a rash of catcher injuries this year, including starter Tom Murphy.

Curt Casali is heading to the Seattle Mariners while the Mariners are sending Michael Stryffer to the Giants. Casali is a veteran catcher, 33, and is having another kind of breakout. He’s hitting the best he has in years, serving as a part-time catcher. He has 4 home runs, 14  RBI, and 15 walks in 126 plate appearances.

Seattle Mariners add catching depth with Curt Casali

He’ll provide solid veteran depth for the Mariners along with a catcher with playoff experience. This was a depth move for the Mariners to ensure that they have plenty of players for the stretch run, especially during this rash of injuries they’ve had lately. Casali will be a free agent at end of the season. Casali even used to play with new ace Luis Castillo back when they were both with the Reds.

In return, the Giants get a prospect in Stryffer who is 26 and in Double-A. He’s a late-inning reliever that has been doing great this year.

We might see him in the Bay soon as he has thrown 35.2 innings so far of 2.27 ERA and 57 strikeouts. Stryffer has 14 saves and walked 19. He’s a good bet to reach the majors soon as a late-career breakout player. Nice grab by the Giants.