Why Mariners sent $95 million former top prospect Colt Emerson to Triple-A originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Seattle Mariners are vying to get back in the American League postseason race, and they'll need an offensive boost to do it.
Frankly, the Mariners cannot afford to have many holes in the lineup. They need production from their stars and role players.
That's why the AL West club sent its former top prospect Colt Emerson to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday.
Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times was the first to report Emerson's demotion.
Emerson signed an eight-year, $95 million extension with the Mariners before he made his MLB debut, the largest contract signed by a player who had yet to reach the Majors.
The 21-year-old played 69 games as a shortstop and third baseman but struggled offensively, hitting .190/.246/.335 with eight home runs.
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However, Emerson has struck out in 34.4% of his plate appearances since making his debut on May 17.
The leap from Triple-A to the Majors is significant, and time to regroup is what Emerson may need.
Taking Emerson's place on Seattle's roster is the No. 19-ranked prospect in the organization, shortstop Brock Rodden.
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