The Mariners called up Mike Carp from Class AAA Tacoma Tuesday night after their 5-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox. Mike Wilson, a reserve outfielder was sent back down to Tacoma to make room for Carp. The left-handed hitter has been tearing it up for the Rainiers with a line of .348/.409/.661.
In Tacoma's game against the Tuscon Padres Monday night, Carp hit two home runs including a grand slam, driving in seven runs in a 24-3 rout.
He has hit 19 home runs and driven in 58 RBIs in 57 games for the Rainiers.
Prior to Carp's call-up, before Tuesday night's game, Mariners Manager Eric Wedge told reporters what he liked about the young slugger:
"I just think his overall consistency," Wedge said. "The fact he's been at that level before and taken advantage of his prior experiences to be more consistent this year. His swing is in tune so the power is shining through as well. (Via: MLB.com)
The Mariners offense will need all the help it can get. The team currently ranks dead last in the majors in batting average (.229), and second-to-last in on-base percentage (.299) and slugging percentage (.337).
Since Justin Smoak starts at Carp's natural position at first base, Carp will most likely see time in left field where offensive production has been lacking. The Mariners' decision to send down Mike Wilson instead of Carlos Peguero means the Mariners will now have two left-handed hitters playing left-field.
Peguero and the recently called up Greg Halman figure to take on a reduced roles if Carp ends up being able to produce offensively on a consistent basis.
The call-up of second baseman Dustin Ackley from Class AAA Tacoma is also expected to happen soon. Like Carp, Ackley could immediately bring an offensive boost to the major league club. Ackley is currently hitting .305 with a .925 OPS in Tacoma.