Giants trade Heston to Mariners
Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto landed some much needed pitching depth on Wednesday, acquiring right-hander Chris Heston from the San Francisco Giants for a player to be named later.
"Adding Chris is another move in our continuing effort to build a deep and flexible pitching staff," Dipoto said, according to Greg Johns of MLB.com.
Heston emerged as a viable starter in 2015 for the Giants, posting a 3.95 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 141 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. He tossed the 17th no-hitter in franchise history that June, while also becoming the first rookie to achieve the feat since Clay Buchholz in 2007.
Things didn't go so well for Heston in 2016, however. The 28-year-old only threw five innings in the majors, allowing six runs off nine hits and six walks. He spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Sacramento, going 2-9 with a 4.54 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 81 1/3 innings, missing nearly two months with an oblique injury.
The Mariners have been in the market for a starter since trading Taijuan Walker to the Diamondbacks late last month.
To make room for Heston on the 40-man roster, Seattle designated first baseman Richie Shaffer for assignment.