The Mariners made a small trade Monday afternoon, acquiring left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. from the New York Yankees in exchange for international bonus pool money.
Cortes was designated for assignment by the Yankees last week when 40-man rosters had to be set ahead of the Rule 5 draft.
“Nestor is a versatile lefty who can do a little bit of everything,” general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a statement. “He can start, he can relieve, he can give you those middle innings or even operate as an opener.”
Cortes, who turns 25 on December 10, appeared in 33 games (one start) with the Yankees last season, going 5-1 with a 5.