Just Now: Mariners fans favorite veteran star in a move with intriguing repercussions

The Seattle Mariners’ roster has taken an unexpected turn as they prepare for a nine-game, three-stop road trip.

Ty France, first baseman, has been reactivated off the 10-day disabled list, while backup catcher Seby Zavala was designated for assignment on Tuesday morning to create room on the active roster.

What makes this interesting? For starters, Mitch Garver is suddenly Seattle’s backup catcher less than three months into the season, despite being projected to be the team’s primary designated hitter. Second, rookie first baseman Tyler Locklear remains in the majors, most likely to share time with France at first base and possibly at designated hitter.

It’s worth noting that France has played third base and second base in his career (including one inning at second earlier this season), though he’s recovering from a right heel fracture sustained when he was hit by a pitch on June 8 in Kansas City. That HBP was France’s 90th in a Mariners uniform, shattering Edgar Martinez’s career franchise record.

Zavala, 30, was acquired in an offseason trade with Arizona, which sent third baseman Eugenio Suárez to the Diamondbacks. He has played in 18 games for Seattle, hitting.154 (6 for 39) with one home run and two doubles.

Garver, 33, started catching for the Mariners late last month, primarily while George Kirby was on the mound. As a result, Zavala has only appeared in two games since May 26, totaling three plate appearances.

Zavala formerly played with the White Sox (2019, 2021-23), as well as the Diamondbacks.

The 29-year-old France has a.251/.329/.403 slash line and a.732 OPS, with seven home runs and 11 doubles. He was an All-Star in 2022 and is hoping to rebound from a career-low.250/.337/.366 line in 2023 (.703 OPS).

Garver’s bat has improved in recent weeks, as he has appeared behind the plate on a more regular basis. For the season, he has a.173/.299/.347 line for a.646 OPS with eight homers and ten doubles, but in his last 12 games, he has.229/.413/.571 (.984 OPS) with three homers, three doubles, 11 walks, and 11 RBIs.

Locklear, 23, made his MLB debut on June 9 after being called up from Triple-A Tacoma to replace France on the roster when he was placed on the injured list. In 29 plate appearances, he has a.222/.276/.481 line for a.757 OPS, with two home runs, a double, three RBIs, and one walk against 12 strikeouts. Locklear, a second-round MLB Draft pick in 2022 from VCU, has been a rising talent since last year, reaching No. 94 on Baseball America’s top 100 earlier this season.