MLB News: Cleveland Indians Trade Russell Branyan Back To Seattle Mariners

News

The move allows the Indians to give Matt LaPorta the first base job for the rest of the year.

Branyan played with the Mariners last season and hit 31 HRs despite missing the last month of the season. Without him, the Mariners have struggled to score runs this season which has lead them to a poor record despite solid pitching and defense. The Mariners were the favorites to win the AL West at the beginning of the year, and this move shows the players and fans that the front office hasn’t given up on that goal yet.

The Indians have been terrible all season and just wanted to bolster their farm system. LaPorta will replace Branyan at first base for the rest of the season with Indians management saying it’s time for the kids to get expirience. LaPorta started the year in the major and hit in the low .200s with 1 HR, however in a brief stint with Triple A Columbus, LaPorta hit 5 HRs and hit over .350.