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Seattle Mariners

Mariners decline 2020 option on LHP Wade LeBlanc

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Wade LeBlanc pauses on the mound during the fourth inning of the team’s baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Saturday, July 13, 2019, in Anaheim, Calif. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)
Associated Press

SEATTLE – The Seattle Mariners have declined Wade LeBlanc’s $5.5 million option for the 2020 season, and the left-hander will become a free agent.

LeBlanc was a starter for part of last season before being moved to the bullpen as the Mariners opted to give some of its younger prospects a chance in the rotation. LeBlanc appeared in 26 games with eight starts and had a 6-7 record and 5.41 ERA. LeBlanc’s problem was giving up the long ball, allowing 28 home runs in 121 1/3 innings. Pitching mostly as a starter in 2018, LeBlanc was 9-5 with a 3.72 ERA.

LeBlanc’s option would have become guaranteed if he had reached 160 innings last season. LeBlanc will receive a $450,000 buyout.

The veteran has pitched for seven different teams during his 11 seasons.