Stuart Fairchild’s latest stop has him back in the American League picture, and this one could open a door.
After 14 games with the Cleveland Guardians, Fairchild was designated for assignment at the end of June to clear space for Cooper Ingle. He elected free agency after that move, then landed earlier this week with the Seattle Mariners on a minor league deal.
He wasted no time getting onto the field. On Wednesday, Fairchild went 1-for-3 with a home run in his organizational debut in the Arizona Complex League, a clear step toward what looks like a trip to Triple-A.
The Mariners may have a real need for him before long. Their outfield depth has been thinned by injuries, with center fielder Julio Rodríguez on the concussion IL and right-handed platoon outfielder Rob Refsnyder sidelined by a hamstring strain. They’re also without infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan because of a groin strain.
Refsnyder’s absence may matter most for Fairchild’s path to the majors. The two fill a similar lane: right-handed bats, platoon value, and defense that can help keep them on the field. Refsnyder has also been dealing with discomfort in both knees all season and needed injections in both of them.
That’s a pretty concerning backdrop.
And the production wasn’t there before the injury, either. Refsnyder was hitting .133/.203/.239 when he went down, which leaves the Mariners with a spot Fairchild could potentially claim if he makes a strong enough impression.
Cleveland got a short, uneven look at Fairchild, and it came with the full package: defense, walks, and strikeouts. He finished 3-for-19 with 14 strikeouts and seven walks. That walk rate would be eye-catching over a full season, but the 51.9% strikeout rate would be a problem of its own.
The appeal is obvious enough. Fairchild has the kind of skill set that can work for a fourth outfielder. But in Cleveland, he was more of a drag than a solution, which is why the Guardians eventually moved on and brought up Ingle.
The timing makes this one worth watching. The Guardians beat the Mariners in a big series at the end of June, but both clubs entered Thursday at 47-46. Seattle was leading the American League West, while Cleveland sat a game behind the White Sox in the AL Central.
Both teams are shaping up as part of the American League postseason race, and Fairchild’s new home gives him a chance to show up again later - possibly against the Guardians.
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