Tommy La Stella DH FA Thu 5/4/23 3:18 PM
Tommy La Stella
DH FA
La Stella was released by the Mariners on Thursday.
EDGE Analysis
La Stella passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment Tuesday and is now officially a free agent. The 34-year-old utility infielder was slashing just .190/.292/.238 through 24 plate appearances this season for Seattle. He also struggled with the Giants in 2022.
Tommy La Stella DH FA Tue 5/2/23 6:24 PM
Tommy La Stella
DH FA
La Stella was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Tuesday, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
It clears a spot on the 40- and 26-man roster for Bryce Miller with Miller's contract selected from Double-A Arkansas to make his MLB debut against the A's on Tuesday. La Stella began the year as Seattle's starting designated hitter, but he hit just .190 with a .530 OPS and no homers over 21 at-bats. He could report to Triple-A Tacoma, but there's a chance La Stella will be given his walking papers if/when he clears waivers.
Tommy La Stella DH FA Wed 4/12/23 12:05 PM
Tommy La Stella
DH FA
La Stella is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.
EDGE Analysis
La Stella got the start as the designated hitter Tuesday in the loss to the Cubs, finishing 0-for-4 with a strikeout. The veteran infielder has gone just 1-for-13 (.077) with a .231 OPS to open the season. Cooper Hummel will hit eighth as the DH for Wednesday's game against right-hander Marcus Stroman.
Tommy La Stella DH FA Wed 4/5/23 2:05 PM
Tommy La Stella
DH FA
La Stella remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels.
EDGE Analysis
Since serving as the Mariners' starting designated hitter in two of the first three contests, the lefty-hitting La Stella has now remained out of the lineup for four straight days, even while Seattle has faced two right-handed starting pitchers over that stretch. AJ Pollock, who slugged two home runs and drove in five in Tuesday's 11-2 win, will get a turn at DH on Wednesday and may have overtaken La Stella as the Mariners' preferred option at that spot against both right- and left-handed pitching.
Tommy La Stella DH FA Sun 4/2/23 1:50 PM
Tommy La Stella
DH FA
La Stella is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians.
EDGE Analysis
The Mariners have faced four consecutive right-handed starting pitchers to begin the 2023 season, with the lefty-hitting La Stella serving as Seattle's designated hitter on two occasions. La Stella, who has gone 1-for-6 with a double between his two starts, may be in store for only a part-time role until he produces well enough at the plate to warrant more consistent opportunities.
Tommy La Stella DH FA Sun 4/2/23 12:41 PM
Tommy La Stella
DH FA
La Stella went 1-for-3 with a double in a loss to the Guardians on Saturday.
EDGE Analysis
The veteran slotted into the designated hitter role and was the only other Mariners player besides Julio Rodriguez to hit safely. La Stella was also responsible for Seattle's only extra-base hit of the night, which also marked his first knock in his new digs.
Tommy La Stella DH FA Mon 3/27/23 6:25 PM
Tommy La Stella
DH FA
La Stella played five innings at third base and went 2-for-3 in Sunday's Cactus League tie with the Padres.
EDGE Analysis
Three days after getting work in the field at first base, La Stella tested his previously strained shoulder with work at the hot corner and seemingly came away without setbacks. The veteran appears to be nearing or at full health heading into Opening Day as he prepares to fill a utility role during the coming season.
Tommy La Stella DH FA Fri 3/24/23 5:33 PM
Tommy La Stella
DH FA
La Stella (shoulder) will partake in pregame work at third base before Friday's Cactus League game, Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports 710 AM reports.
EDGE Analysis
La Stella was able to play first base Thursday against the Reds, and he's able to get some work at third in for the first time since dealing with his shoulder irritation. The veteran infielder is expected to be a utility player for Seattle in 2023, and could get reps at designated hitter with the Mariners going with a revolving door rather than one set option.
Tommy La Stella DH FA Wed 3/22/23 6:29 PM
Tommy La Stella
DH FA
La Stella (shoulder) will play in the field during Thursday's Cactus League game against the Reds, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
EDGE Analysis
La Stella has been limited to DH duties because right shoulder irritation during the spring season. The veteran infielder is expected to serve as a utility player for the Mariners in 2023, and he could be looking at more consistent playing time with Dylan Moore (oblique) starting the year on the injured list.
Tommy La Stella DH FA Sat 3/18/23 5:23 PM
Tommy La Stella
DH FA
La Stella (shoulder) could play in the field Wednesday for Seattle's Cactus League game against the Dodgers, Corey Brock of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
La Stella has been dealing with right shoulder irritation this spring and has been limited to DH opportunities thus far. The 34-year-old infielder is expected to serve in a utility role, and the injury to Dylan Moore (oblique) could open up more playing time for La Stella to begin the 2023 campaign.