Mariners Release Mitch Garver, Rob Refsnyder - MLB Trade Rumors The Seattle Mariners have officially released catcher Mitch Garver and outfielder Rob Refsnyder, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. The decision comes as the team moves to replace both players with younger alternatives, with Taylor Ward set to take over as the primary outfielder and Jhonny Pereda recalled to serve as Garver’s backup behind the plate. Ward, acquired in a trade earlier in the season, will now occupy a regular role, while Pereda, a 30-year-old with a strong minor league track record, will step into the starting catching duties. Garver and Refsnyder were both signed during the 2025 offseason as part of the Mariners’ strategy to bolster their lineup, but neither has lived up to expectations. Garver, 35, struggled to maintain consistency at the plate, posting a .175/.302/.294 batting line in 149 plate appearances this season. Despite a notable 14.8% walk rate, his .329 strikeout rate has limited his effectiveness. The Mariners had hoped his ability to draw walks would complement their lineup, but his performance has fallen short. Refsnyder, also 35, faced similar challenges. He entered the season with a strong reputation as a left-handed hitter, posting a .265/.364/.423 line and 119 wRC+ in his career. However, his 2026 season has been a disappointment, with a .140/.211/.254 line and a .158 BABIP that has kept him from contributing meaningfully. The Mariners’ decision to cut ties with both players was influenced by their inability to adapt to the team’s left-handed-heavy lineup. Refsnyder, who had thrived against lefties in previous seasons, struggled to replicate that success this year. His 6.2% walk rate dropped significantly from last year’s 11.5%, while his strikeout rate rose from 25.8% to 28.7%.#seattle_mariners #mitch_garver #taylor_ward #rob_refsnyder #jhonny_pereda
Ward's 3 Doubles Lead Orioles’ Sweep of White Sox in Win The Baltimore Orioles secured a decisive victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, with outfielder Taylor Ward playing a pivotal role. Ward’s three doubles in the game propelled the Orioles to a sweep of the series, marking a significant milestone in his season. The 26-year-old slugger now leads the Major Leagues with nine doubles, showcasing his consistency and ability to impact games in multiple ways. Ward’s performance came during a crucial matchup against a White Sox team that had been a formidable opponent in recent weeks. The Orioles’ offensive onslaught began in the first inning, with Ward launching a double to the right-center field gap, which set the tone for the game. His ability to capitalize on defensive mistakes and find gaps in the White Sox’ infield defense highlighted his value as a leadoff hitter. The doubles were not just a testament to Ward’s power but also his plate discipline. Throughout the game, he worked deep counts and drew walks, forcing the White Sox’ pitchers to throw more pitches. This strategy allowed the Orioles to maintain pressure on the opposing team’s pitching staff, which struggled to find rhythm in the middle innings. The Orioles’ victory extended their winning streak to four games, a sign of their growing dominance in the American League East. Manager Brandon Hyde praised Ward’s efforts, noting that his ability to drive in runs and create opportunities for his teammates was instrumental in the win. “Taylor’s been a consistent threat all season, and tonight was another example of why he’s one of the best in the league,” Hyde said. Ward’s performance also had a ripple effect on the team’s overall strategy.#baltimore_orioles #chicago_white_sox #taylor_ward #brandon_hyde #american_league_east
White Sox get swept by Orioles in 3-game series, losing 5-3 The Baltimore Orioles secured a decisive 5-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, completing a three-game sweep of their rivals. The win marked the Orioles’ ninth consecutive triumph against the White Sox, extending their dominance in this matchup. The game, played at Comerica Park, saw the Orioles capitalize on key offensive plays and defensive lapses to secure the win, while the White Sox struggled to maintain momentum despite a late rally. Taylor Ward emerged as the standout performer for the Orioles, driving in two runs and scoring another to fuel Baltimore’s offensive surge. Ward’s four hits, including a two-run double in the third inning and an RBI double in the ninth, were instrumental in the Orioles’ success. His contributions helped the team overcome a 3-2 deficit in the fifth inning, as the White Sox managed to take the lead. However, the Orioles’ resilience was evident in the sixth inning, where Pete Alonso scored on a passed ball by catcher Reese McGuire after the bases were loaded. Dylan Beavers then extended Baltimore’s lead to 4-3 with a sacrifice fly against White Sox reliever Bryan Hudson. The White Sox’ fifth-inning rally was sparked by a combination of three walks and two errors from Orioles starter Kyle Bradish. With runners on first and second and one out, Bradish missed a throw back to the mound after issuing his third walk of the inning to Colson Montgomery. Bradish’s slow reaction to retrieve the ball allowed Chase Meidroth to race home, giving Chicago a 3-2 lead. However, Andrew Benintendi’s strikeout stranded both runners, preventing the White Sox from capitalizing further.#baltimore_orioles #chicago_white_sox #pete_alonso #comerica_park #taylor_ward
