MLB notes: Nationals demote Doug Fister to bullpen duty

When Jamie Moyer thinks about Seattle, roots are what come to mind.

It may be the place where Moyer had the most success as a major league pitcher. But his affinity for Seattle goes well beyond what he did on the mound for the Mariners for more than 10 seasons.

“I smile for many reasons,” Moyer said Friday. “The baseball side of it was nothing but positives. The foundation side of it was nothing but positives. Being able to accomplish things on and off the field I never thought in my wildest dreams, but also the relationships that we’ve been able to make as a baseball player, as a family. We really had roots here in Seattle away from baseball and away from our foundation.”

Three years after he last pitched in the majors — at age 49 with Colorado — Moyer is being inducted into Seattle’s hall of fame this weekend, honored for a career that never fully took off until he landed in the Pacific Northwest during the 1996 season. Moyer was feted at a luncheon that included former teammates Ken Griffey Jr. and Jay Buhner on Friday, and the left-hander will be honored before today’s game.

Moyer spent part of 11 seasons in Seattle and won 20 games the last time the Mariners made the playoffs in 2001. He’s the franchise leader in victories with 145. Twice he won 20 games, the only Seattle pitcher to reach that mark more than once.

He did it all with determination, guile and knowledge, and a fastball that never had a “9” as the first number on the radar gun. It equaled a career that lasted 25 seasons in the majors, but his greatest success came in the Pacific Northwest.

Aside from his accomplishments on the field, Moyer is even more proud of his charity foundation that took off during his time in Seattle. The Moyer Foundation supports children in distress. During his time in Seattle, Moyer started Camp Erin, which has grown to the largest network of free bereavement camps in the country for children. The program has grown to add Camp Mariposa to help children in families affected by addiction.

“It’s rooted itself and it’s grown and it’s expanded, and that’s the legacy we’re really leaving behind,” Moyer said.

Rangers reaquire Napoli

Mike Napoli is headed back to Texas.

The first baseman was traded by the Red Sox to the Rangers for a player to be named or cash. Boston also sends money to Texas.

Napoli, 33, was a fan favorite during two productive years with Texas before signing with the Red Sox in 2013 and helping the club win the World Series.

Braves, Indians make deal

The Atlanta Braves reacquired outfielder Michael Bourn in a trade with Cleveland, also landing outfielder Nick Swisher while dealing third baseman Chris Johnson to the Indians.

Cleveland also sent cash to the Braves, helping cover the hefty contracts of the two players coming to Atlanta.

Bourn was acquired by the Braves at the 2011 trade deadline and made the All-Star Game the following season before signing with Cleveland as a free agent. The 32-year-old is hitting .246 with 19 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.

The 34-year-old Swisher, another former All-Star, is batting just .198 with two homers and eight RBIs. He is currently on an injury rehab assignment in the minors while recovering from left knee inflammation.

Johnson lost his starting job with the Braves this season. He has a .235 average with two homers.