After moving veteran hitter Yoshi Tsutsugo up to Triple-A, the SF Giants needed to make a corresponding roster move to create space. That move was releasing former Seattle Mariners outfielder Jack Larsen after a brief stint with the club according to the team's transaction log.
SF Giants release former Mariners outfielder after brief stint with club
Larsen was acquired from the Mariners in July in exchange for cash considerations. On a different note, I wonder what percentage of Farhan Zaidi's calls are with top Mariners executive Jerry Dipoto. It has to be a high number with how often they connect on trades.
The left-handed bat had put up respectable numbers as a pro, slashing .265/.378/.438 with a 14.8 percent walk rate against a 25.5 percent strikeout rate across six minor league seasons. This includes four seasons in which he eclipsed the 10-homer mark.
Though, Larsen does not have a ton of experience in Triple-A. The Mariners did call him up in the middle of 2022 after they ran out of outfielders with Julio Rodriguez and Dylan Moore both landing on the injured list. He struck out in his lone at-bat.
The Mariners outrighted him off of their 40-man roster but he accepted an assignment to Triple-A. He did not have an option as it was his first time being outrighted.
The 28-year-old was assigned to Seattle's Triple-A club this season where he posted a .313/.466/.338 line with zero home runs, 10 RBI, and 13 runs in 103 plate appearances. For a player who has demonstrated modest power in the past, not having a home run in that many opportunities is surprising.
Though, playing time for Larsen had become sporadic in Triple-A, so he was shipped to the Giants. Upon joining the Giants organization, he recorded just two hits in 20 at-bats before landing on the injured list. Larsen has not appeared in a game since the end of July and Sacramento needed that roster spot.
The lefty bat should have no problem finding a new team given his track record. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Seattle, so he has greatly exceeded expectations that come with that.