M's Cut Jarvis, Call Up Thornton; Rained Out Monday

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By By KOMO Staff & News Services

Summary

Kevin Jarvis was designated for assignment, which means he may be sent to the minor leagues; Thornton will join M's in Baltimore.

Story Published: Apr 26, 2004 at 9:13 AM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:28 AM PDT

M's Cut Jarvis, Call Up Thornton; Rained Out Monday
SEATTLE - The Seattle Mariners designated right-hander Kevin Jarvis for assignment Monday, then waited to see if they will have to cover his $4.25 million contract.

Jarvis, who went 1-0 with an 8.31 ERA in eight relief appearances this season, joined the Mariners in the six-player trade that sent infielder Jeff Cirillo to San Diego in January.

The Mariners recalled lefty Matt Thornton from Triple-A Tacoma, and it's likely they'll bring back right-hander Rafael Soriano from a rehab assignment in the minors within the next week.

Though the Mariners are 6-13 and lost five straight before Monday night's rainout at Baltimore, general manager Bill Bavasi said it's not fair to pin the struggles on Jarvis.

"We're just trying to bring in fresh arms," Bavasi said. "The trouble we're going through right now does not rest on Kevin Jarvis' shoulders at all. We're just trying to get our pitching sorted out."

Jarvis is due $4.25 million in the final year of a $9 million, three-year contract he signed after leading San Diego with 12 wins in 2001. Slowed by elbow trouble, he's won seven games over the last three seasons.

The Mariners have 10 days to decide whether to send Jarvis to the minors, but he has enough service time to block that move. The team's alternatives are to trade or release him.

"We're just trying to get better," Bavasi said. "At this point, Kevin might fit in better with another club than he does here."

The 34-year-old Jarvis has allowed 20 hits in 13 innings, including eight hits and seven earned runs in three innings over his last two outings.

He has pitched with Cincinnati (1994-97), Detroit (1997), Minnesota (1997), Oakland (1999), Colorado (2000) and San Diego (2001-03). His career numbers are 34-46 in 172 games - 114 starts - with a 5.88 ERA. He has three shutouts and one save.

The 27-year-old Thornton was 1-1 with a 7.07 ERA in three starts with Tacoma. In going 10 innings over his past two starts, he is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA, allowing five hits with 10 strikeouts.

Thornton was Seattle's first-round selection, the 22nd overall pick, in the June 1998 draft. He was expected to join the team in Baltimore and be available to make his major league debut, but the game was rained out.