Mariners players are reportedly upset that general manager Jerry Dipoto traded late-inning reliever Kendall Graveman to the division-rival Astros on Tuesday in the middle of a series between the teams. The M's acquired reliever Joe Smith and infielder Abraham Toro for Graveman and reliever Rafael Montero.
Dipoto understands the frustration in the clubhouse but says he's working on other deals that will make this move understandable.
"Sure, definitely concerned. But hopefully the next moves will make a little more sense," he told reporters, per MLB.com's Daniel Kramer. "And then for the guys, I think that they’ll find that we’re very committed to adding to the team.”
Dipoto told reporters that other trades could be completed later Tuesday or on Wednesday. (UPDATE: The Mariners acquired left-handed starter Tyler Anderson from the Pirates early Wednesday for two minor leaguers. Anderson was reportedly headed to the Phillies on Tuesday afternoon before the deal fell apart.)
FAGAN: MLB trade deadline superlatives; best options
The Mariners were flying high after they rallied from a 7-0 deficit to beat the Astros 11-8 Monday night. Dylan Moore's eighth-inning grand slam off reliever Brooks Raley was the deciding blow. The win moved the M's (55-46) to one game behind the A's for the second wild card in the American League.
Graveman was credited with the win after throwing a hitless eighth inning. He had 10 saves in 12 chances to go with an 0.82 ERA in 33 innings for Seattle. A day later, he was walking to the other side of the field in Seattle for the remaining two games of the series.
His now ex-teammates reportedly took the move hard and aimed their fury at Dipoto for killing their vibe.
"An hour ago, it was great," one player, who chose to remain anonymous, told The Seattle Times. "It was probably better than it's ever been. And now, it's the worst."
Paul Sewald recorded the final three outs for the save. He figures to be the Mariners' primary closer going forward.
Unless, of course, Dipoto is close to adding an established closer in one of his promised trades.
