Seattle released Kelly Shoppach after designating the veteran catcher for assignment last week.
Shoppach was let go when the Mariners called up last year’s No. 3 overall pick, Mike Zunino, from Triple-A to take over as the starting catcher.
Shoppach hit just .196 in 35 games for the Mariners, but he’s always been stretched when asked to play regularly and is much better suited for a part-time role focused mostly on starting against left-handed pitchers. For his career Shoppach has hit .261 with an .856 OPS versus lefties compared to .204 with a .656 OPS versus righties, so it shouldn’t be surprising if he’s back in the majors soon with another backup gig.
