CINCINNATI (AP) — The Seattle Mariners traded infielder Alex Liddi to the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday and exchanged signing slots for international players.
The Mariners designated Liddi for assignment on June 28, meaning they would have to trade him or release him if he rejected the demotion.
Liddi played in eight games for Seattle, going 1 for 17. He was designated when second baseman Brad Miller was called up from Triple-A Tacoma.
Liddi spent most of the season with Tacoma, batting .263 with 11 homers and 43 RBIs. The Mariners originally signed him as an international free agent in 2005. He is the first Italian-born and developed player to appear in the majors.
By swapping signing slots, the Mariners have freedom to spend more money if they choose to sign an international player.
